Cooper County Youth Court

Mission Statement Cooper County Youth Court is a juvenile court intervention program designed to provide an alternative to the formal juvenile justice system for first-time or misdemeanor and/or status offenders in which youthful peers determine the sanctions.  The program holds youthful offenders accountable and provides educational services to offenders, youth and adult volunteers to promote long-term behavioral change and to enhance public safety.

What is Cooper County Youth Court?
An alternative sentencing program offered by the Juvenile Office to divert juveniles from the formal court process. Juvenile offenders between the ages of 12 to 16 who have been referred to the Juvenile Office for a misdemeanor or status offense are eligible. If they are deemed appropriate for Youth Court, they are given the option to come before a jury of their peers and have requirements assigned to them by the jury.

Who can participate in Cooper County Youth Court?
Any adult or any juvenile 12 years or older who wants to learn more about the justice system. Adults can be jury or lawyer consultants and juveniles can serve on a jury or as a bailiff or clerk and as prosecuting and defense attorneys.

What can I do to get involved?
Contact the Cooper County Youth Court Coordinator Linda Lacy at the Juvenile Office at 660-882-7472 or by e-mail at Linda.Lacy@courts.mo.gov .  If you are interested in learning more about Youth Court, please download a brochure or volunteer application below.