Building Stronger Youth Courts to Advance Justice

Street Law, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of the Youth Court Collaborative, a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance youth courts across the United States through the integration of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) tools and techniques and restorative justice practices. With over 50 years of experience in civic and law-related education, Street Law is leading this multi-year effort to equip youth courts with innovative resources, training, and technical assistance to improve outcomes for young people. 

This project is made possible by the American Arbitration Association-International Centre for Dispute Resolution Foundation®, which supports initiatives that promote conflict resolution and community-based justice solutions worldwide. 

The AAA-ICDR Foundation is proud to partner with Street Law on the Youth Court Collaborative to increase access to justice for youth and their families across the U.S.”

Tracey Frisch, Executive Director, AAA-ICDR Foundation 
Youth Courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Youth Courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution 

Youth courts—also called teen or peer courts—are programs where trained youth volunteers take on courtroom roles to hear real cases involving their peers. These programs offer fair, constructive alternatives to punitive and exclusionary discipline, while helping young people build important civic and legal knowledge. With over 1,000 youth courts nationwide serving up to 125,000 participants annually, they offer a meaningful path toward accountability and rehabilitation.  

Street Law has historically supported youth courts by creating educational tools that enhance the knowledge of both youth members and respondents. Now, Street Law aims to help youth courts build on their success by integrating alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques, such as mediation and negotiation, that emphasize conflict resolution over punishment. 

By incorporating ADR approaches, youth courts can expand their role as restorative, community-focused spaces. Mediation and negotiation give young people the skills to resolve conflicts themselves, fostering accountability and personal growth without the adversarial nature of traditional legal proceedings. These approaches not only promote fairer outcomes but also help address the disproportionate impact of disciplinary actions on youth facing systemic challenges. 

The Youth Court Collaborative 

The Youth Court Collaborative is a national initiative designed to serve youth courts through high-quality resources, training, and support. By integrating promising practices in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and restorative justice, this initiative will enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of youth courts nationwide. 

A key partner in this effort is the National Association of Youth Courts (NAYC)—the focal point of the primary network of youth courts in the United States. With a strong track record in training, technical assistance, and resource development, NAYC has played a pivotal role in expanding and strengthening youth court programs nationwide. As part of the Youth Court Collaborative, NAYC will contribute its expertise, facilitate connections with participating youth courts, and ensure effective dissemination of resources, further amplifying the initiative’s impact.

The collaboration with Street Law allows NAYC access to professional and experienced curriculum development needed to address the growing demand for youth court programs nationally. There is a necessity to intervene with juvenile offenders at an early age (or their early entrance into criminal behavior) by providing correct information on the law and encouraging civic engagement through interactive lessons.”

Lisa Albert-Konecky, NAYC President 

Street Law’s Youth Court Collaborative will focus on three key strategies: 

1. Developing and Piloting New Resources – Street Law will create and update curricular materials, including training resources for youth court members and professional development for adult coordinators. These materials will be piloted at select youth court sites to ensure effectiveness before broader implementation. 
2. Creating a National Clearinghouse – A new digital hub will serve as a centralized resource center, offering youth courts access to educational materials, guides, networking opportunities, and advocacy tools to support program sustainability and expansion. 
3. Strengthening Connections Through Training and Convenings – Street Law and NAYC will co-host national conferences, webinars, and peer-learning events, providing a platform for youth court professionals and participants to exchange promising practices, address challenges, and collaborate on innovations. 

Selected youth courts will serve as pilot sites, representing a range of communities and program models. Their insights and experiences will help shape the development of effective, scalable solutions for youth courts nationwide.   

Envisioned Impact 

Street Law’s Youth Court Collaborative seeks to create lasting, transformative change by accomplishing the following outcomes:   

• Expanding access to justice by equipping youth courts with research-based, effective resources. 
• Improving problem-solving, critical thinking, and civic engagement skills among youth court participants. 
• Establishing a sustainable, connected network of youth courts that share promising practices and resources. 
• Advocating for policies supporting youth courts as viable alternatives to traditional justice approaches.

Through this initiative, Street Law will reinforce its mission to equip youth with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the legal system, improve their lives, and strengthen their communities. The Youth Court Collaborative will build on decades of youth court success, positioning these programs to become even more effective in promoting fair, restorative conflict resolution. As a result, young people will be empowered to take an active role in resolving conflicts and repairing harm.