|
March 24, 2006
|
Governor Pataki honors Livingston County Youth Court
Hillside Children’s Center’s (HCC) Livingston County Youth Court was recently recognized by New York State Governor George E. Pataki.
A certificate signed by Pataki citing the court’s service to the community and contributions to the juvenile justice system was presented to HCC Youth Court Coordinator Dottie O’Neil-Marble during the Association of New York State Youth Courts’ quarterly meeting.
“It means a great deal to myself, as well as other staff involved, in that it shows us that the government is aware of how important and valuable the youth courts are to our youth, families, and communities,” says O’Neil-Marble.
The Livingston County Youth Court, which is comprised of student volunteers, seeks to hold first-time non-violent youthful offenders accountable for their actions by providing an avenue for restitution and teaching them about the effects their actions have on themselves, victims, and the community. It capitalizes on peer influence demonstrating that peers do not condone delinquency. The youth court also aims to empower and involve youth by allowing them to assume leadership roles and actively address juvenile crime in their community.
Hillside Children’s Center is an affiliate of Hillside Family of Agencies, a family and children services organization that provides child welfare, mental health, youth development, juvenile justice, special education, and developmental disabilities services across central and western New York. Hillside Family of Agencies is also comprised of affiliates Crestwood Children’s Center, Crestwood Children’s Foundation, Hillside Children’s Foundation, Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection, and Snell Farm Children’s Center.
Editors Please Note: Dottie O’Neil-Marble and youth court participants are available for interviews by contacting Hillside’s Marketing Department at (585) 256-7544. Photographs of the certificate presentation are also available for use and can be acquired by contacting Hillside’s Marketing Department.
Need More Information?
Call us, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern time, at