Babylon Students Inducted into Town Youth Court

A new group of youth participants were inducted into the Town of Babylon Youth Court in a recent ceremony at the Babylon Annex, where the program is based.

According to organizers, the teenage volunteers from all around Babylon Town will gain first-hand experience in the legal system by serving as judges, attorneys, bailiffs and court clerks.

They'll hear cases involving youths younger than 16 years old who are facing first-time non-violent misdemeanor charges.

Typical cases presented to the Town of Babylon Youth Court might include shoplifting, criminal mischief, vandalism and other misdemeanor offenses.  Offenders have been arrested or charged with the offense and admit guilt to the crime, according to the Youth Court website.

"The youthful offender, with a parent or guardian, then meets with coordinator for an additional intake where the rules and guidelines of the program are explained," said the website.

These cases are referred by the Suffolk County Department of Probation.

The goal of Youth Court, according to the website, is "to prevent delinquent behavior through positive peer influence, to promote self esteem, to instill motivation for self improvement and to promote a sense of community involvement among youth."

The new inductees include Alexa Casale, Amber Volz, Angela Necco, Autumn Morris, Cliff Alan Taylor, David Santiago, Edward Strachan, Elijah Schultz, Farrah Faraci,  Francesca Casale, Gabriella Daly, Joyreiss St. Bernard, K.C. Carter, Kiara Don, Kristian Schmitt, Laquann Schultz, Pierre Taylor, Octavia Taylor, Raquel Roman, Samara Santiago and Umari Barnaman.