Peer Court
The
Colusa County Peer Court was
formed October 1, 2001. The
first Peer Court session was
held April 24, 2002. The
Peer Court allows young
people to become involved in
something that affects their
lives. It gives them an
opportunity to be part of
the community, voice their
concerns and learn about
current laws, which affect
them. The goal of the
program is to successfully
intervene with juvenile
offenders before they become
involved in the Juvenile
Court System.
After a citation is
issued by a law enforcement
agency, or arrest made, the
Probation Department or
District Attorney's Office
identifies the cases to be
placed in Peer Court prior
to filing in the Juvenile
Court. The Probation
Department then refers the
appropriate cases to the
Juvenile Court Judge. The
Juvenile Court Judge and his
staff coordinate critical
case information. If the
case is appropriate for Peer
Court, the juvenile must
admit guilt, the juvenile
and his/her parents waive
confidentiality and the
matter is set to be heard.
Peer Court is held twice a
month from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00
P.M. Adult volunteers
mentor the Peer Court
participants. Failure by a
juvenile to successfully
participate in the program
results in a Petition being
filed and the elimination
from the Peer Court
Program. Upon successful
completion of the program,
the juvenile will have no
further involvement in the
Juvenile Court System. |
