Who is
​Valdez Youth Court?

Established in 1999

Valdez Youth Court (VYC) was established in 1999 to provide youth in our community with another alternative within the court system. We accept cases for ages 12-17 years, who have been referred by the District Courts or the Juvenile Probation Officer. Cases referred can be violations and A/B Misdemeanors that have happened within Valdez. A youth must plead guilt or no contest to the charge to have the option of VYC in sentencing. If VYC is chosen for sentencing a hearing is scheduled with a panel of two (2) Judges, a bailiff, two (2) Defense Attorneys and two (2) Prosecuting Attorneys. VYC members are required to attend a training class, which at the end are tested with a bar exam. Once they have passed the exam the new members are then sworn in by our local District  Court Judge.

Our Goal

VYC aims for bringing Restorative Justice to our community. We look at what resources can be provided to the youth, the family and the community as a whole. Our Judges look at each individual and hand down sentences that begin the healing process between the individual and the community. A few examples:

• Community Work Service
• Restitution
• Attend Adult Arraignments
• Art Project  

Our Youth Board

Ashlee Schaeffer
President

Ashlee joined VYC in 2015 and since then has worked her way up to holding the position of Judge.

Sydney Jenkins
Vice President

Sydney joined VYC in 2017 and since then has worked her way up to Attorney. 

Destiny Gray
​​Secretary 

Destiny joined VYC in 2017 and since then has worked her way up to Attorney.

Tanya Young
Program Director
907-835-8885
vdzyouthcourt@gmail.com