Youth Court Immediate Intervention Program

What is Youth Court Immediate Intervention Program (YCIIP)?

The 21st Judicial District YCIIP offers an alternative to prosecution in the juvenile justice system. The purpose of YCIIP is to direct juvenile offenders away from the formal court system while still holding them accountable for their actions. YCIIP is a voluntary program where offenders can take responsibility for their actions while avoiding a criminal record.

Crimes Eligible for YCIIP

Typical referrals are first-time misdemeanor offenses. Crimes can include misdemeanor law violations such as theft, simple assault, property damage, possession of alcohol, and possession of marijuana. Other crimes include status offenses such as runaway or curfew violations.

Procedure

Youth Court is held the fourth Tuesday of every month either at the Riley County Courthouse or via zoom. Youth volunteers and returning defendants serve in the roles of the clerk and jury member. An adult judge is present to keep the proceedings on track. The defendant is allowed to give his/her version of the events with the clerk reading a summary of the police report. The jury members and judge follow with questions for the defendant. After, the jury deliberates and returns with sanctions the defendant must complete the sanctions within a 6 month time frame.

Benefits

  • Provides early intervention and new opportunities for juveniles
  • Volunteers gain exposure to the legal system
  • Community service can help juveniles learn responsibility
  • Victims know the defendant is being held accountable

The Role of a Jury Member:

The jury is comprised of volunteers from local schools and returning defendants. Each member must sign a confidentiality oath that prohibits the youth from sharing the information concerning the defendants and their cases outside of the courtroom. Each member must ask the defendant a minimum of one question. The jury will select a foreperson for each case to announce the sanctions decided.

Sanction Guidelines can include:

Mandatory Sanctions:

  • Community service hours
  • One to five youth court jury duty nights

Optional Sanctions:

  • Apology to victim
  • Counseling
  • Random drug and alcohol testing
  • Alcohol and Drug Information School or online substance use education program 
  • Curfew
  • Restitution

Volunteer Opportunities

Youth Court offers volunteer opportunities for both youth and adults. Youth can volunteer to serve on the jury and can receive community service hours for their participation and adults can volunteer to serve as a judge.

If you are interested in serving as a member of jury please complete the volunteer application. 

If you are interested in serving as a judge please contact Michael McNatt at 785-565-6873 or use the online contact form.