Neighborhood Youth Justice Councils

SIJC

To promote youth voice and participation in neighborhood-based policymaking related to social and criminal justice, to encourage and support young people to become civic leaders, and to prepare young people for college or other educational and vocational pursuits, the Center for Court Innovation operates Neighborhood Youth Justice Councils (NYJCs) at two community-based project sites: the Staten Island Youth Justice Center and the Queens Youth Justice Center.

Modeled on the Center’s Youth Justice Board and other civic youth leadership programs, and grounded in positive youth development principles, the NYJCs are designed to:

  • Support young people’s personal and professional development;
  • Create meaningful leadership opportunities;
  • Foster dynamic engagement with community members;
  • Support young people’s participation in local policymaking; and
  • Provide youth with training and skill development in core competencies while supporting them to pursue additional educational and professional opportunities. 

Each program cycle, a group of 10-15 young people interested in social and criminal justice issues is selected to join the NYJC. Youth members of NYJCs focus on improving policies affecting their own neighborhood, with an emphasis on justice, safety, and community well-being. Following an orientation period and training, during which NYJC members learn the basics of policymaking and how to serve as effective change-makers, youth delve into their topic of choice, conduct research, and come up with solutions. To deepen understanding and community connection, NYJC members routinely interact with community members by attending precinct council meetings and community board sessions, and meeting with local organizations, residents, and other youth. The program culminates with a final product in the form of a presentation or publication explaining the NYJC’s research and recommendations. While the program timeline is designed to be flexible, most sites operate on a semester-long basis. For more information, contact Linda Baird, Senior Youth Programs Advisor, at 646-386-5925 or bairdl@courtinnovation.org.