Title
Honoring the outstanding efforts and achievements of the many founders and supporters of Youth Courts who have integrated restorative justice methods, taught civic responsibility, and promoted community involvement; all to promote the goal of reduced recidivism and delinquency; as well as inspire our youth towards achievement, empowerment, and self-realization.
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WHEREAS, Dr. Edgar S. Cahn, president and founder of the Time Dollar USA, developed "Co-Production", the founding principle of the Time Dollar Youth Court established in 1996. Located in Washington, DC, the Youth Court turns former respondents into co-producers of change by engaging youth in evolving the shape of juvenile justice. The program now enlists more than 400 youth each year, the majority of them former delinquents who now may actualize their leadership potential; and
WHEREAS, The Stoneleigh Foundation is committed to investing in individuals who promote the ideas of a just civic society while focusing on child welfare and juvenile justice issues and have invested in Gregg Volz who independently spearheaded a comprehensive Youth Courts initiative that has improved the lives of so many students ; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Judge Marjorie Rendell, on behalf of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Youth Court Advisory Board, chaired a state-wide meeting to discuss the complex logistics of a public/private coordinated effort to increase the use of youth courts so that community leaders may serve as mentors of our young people; and
WHEREAS, Keith Bailey, Philadelphia Physicians for Social Responsibility, as well as the organization "Communities In Schools" have supported the original Philadelphia Youth Court initiative since 1998. These parties believe that students who commit minor offenses are best served by remaining in school and fostering engagement with their school community. They have been committed to creating a positive school culture that emphasizes responsibility for the past ...
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