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Town of Babylon swears in first Youth Court
"This program is going to have a positive impact both on those who are part of this justice system and those who come through this Court," said Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone who swore in the Youth Court members. "We are all very proud of what you are doing." Students between 14 and 18 are recommended for the program and make a voluntary commitment for one year. Michael Saunders, who came to the Court through the Babylon Village Youth Project (BVYP), was a source of pride for his mother and father, Lisa and James. "It took a lot of time and commitment, but he enjoyed doing it," said Susan Saunders. The BVYP recommended four young people to the program, all of whom completed the requirements and were sworn in last week. Eric Price, BVYP director said he knew when the program was offered to him that it would be a good thing for some of his kids. "It was interesting and I knew a few kids would want to be a part of it," said Price. "It is like a lot of things we do-take kids from all walks of life, put them together and watch them work out all of their differences and their quirks to accomplish something together because they want to be there together." Sancho Barrett, an Amityville Middle School student agreed that it was the camaraderie sparked within the group that made it interesting and fun. "He liked the program and enjoyed being a part of it every week," said his father Stanford. "The program inspired him and he is now looking forward to a career in law enforcement said Susan Skelly of Babylon Village whose son Matthew Dachenhausen, was sworn in as part of the first Babylon Youth Court. Matthew, or "Doc," as his fellow Youth Court members call him, is an 11th grader at Babylon High School. As a result of completing the program, Henry Bacon III, of Amityville, a Copiague student, says he now is considering a career in the legal system. "This was a very good experience," he said moments after being sworn in. "I learned that judges and lawyers are people who are down to earth and who have important jobs to do." "These kids are remarkable," said Claire McKeon, the Town's Youth Bureau Deputy Director. "They worked very hard and I am extremely proud of them." With only a couple of exceptions, all of those students recommended completed the program, said McKeon. "A few ran into some conflicts with other things they were doing and had to drop out," she said. The Youth Court is a Family Court diversion program designed to reduce juvenile delinquency. It is run for youth by youth and first-time youthful offenders under 16 who have committed violations or misdemeanors have their cases heard by a jury of their peers. Youth Court offers them a chance to constructively assume responsibility for their actions, as well as a chance to learn about the justice system. Volunteer youth perform the roles of prosecuting and defending attorney, judge, bailiff and jury. When the case is completed, the defendant's case is closed and no criminal charges are to be filed within the traditional juvenile justice system, thereby allowing the defendant to avoid having a criminal record. Cases are referred to the Youth Court by Family Court, and the young judges, attorneys; bailiffs and jurors have continued support, advice and recommendations from a board of legal professionals. In Babylon they include Jim Avery, Judge Toni Bean, Sgt. Jesse Bell, Jim Campbell, Bill Devore, Judge Madeleine Fitzgibbon, Lt. Tom Kelly, Cynthia McBarnette, Judge Joseph Santorelli and Errol Williams. All have provided their time voluntarily and have made a commitment to work with the Youth Court as they proceed to hear cases, the first of which was forwarded to them this week. Also working in conjunction with the court is Suffolk District Attorney Tom Spota, Superintendent of Lindenhurst Schools Neil Lederer, Director of Probation John Desmond, Eric Price, Matthew Arundale, Sonji Crawford-Clark and Mary Ellen McEneney.
Joseph Phoenix of Amityville, whose son Joseph was part of the new Court, is a retired Correction Officer and said his son has been exposed to the judicial system all his life. "He likes that kind of thing," said the father, adding with a laugh, "and, he's a great debater at home."
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