Volunteers for Youth Justice (VYJ) is excited to announce the upcoming induction ceremony for its Raider Court program, set for Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. The event will be held at Shreveport City Court, 1244 Texas Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71101.
The ceremony will officially induct the new cohort of juniors and seniors from Huntington High School into the Raider Court program. The Honorable Brittany Bass Arvie, City Judge of Division C, Shreveport City Court, will lead the swearing-in ceremony in Courtroom #1 and address inductees on the impact of youth engagement in the legal system.
Raider Court is a student-administered court that addresses minor infractions committed by students at Huntington High School. While they do not determine guilt or innocence, they impose sanctions based on restorative justice principles, holding their peers accountable in a constructive and educational manner.
The program’s philosophy is centered on using peer influence positively, helping students accept accountability for their actions, and educating them about the legal system. Scholars gain valuable knowledge about how the legal system operates, develop respect for the law, and interact with adult mentors who serve as role models. They also practice public speaking and debate skills, which foster confidence and pride.
Attendees at the event will include Huntington High School Principal Mr. Nicholaus Smith, Raider Court Coordinator Ms. Lagretta Hawthorne, and Shonda Houston-Dotie, Youth Programs Director for Volunteers for Youth Justice.
The Raider Court program builds on the legacy of VYJ’s Teen Court, which began in the Spring of 1996. The Teen Court initiative offers first-time juvenile offenders the chance to be judged by their peers, accept responsibility for their actions, and make restitution through educational and constructive consequences. This program aims to enhance participants’ social skills, critical thinking, and overall competency.
The Teen Court program has demonstrated notable success, with a recidivism rate of less than 5%, highlighting its effectiveness in redirecting youth and supporting positive outcomes. Proof of this is that the Honorable Brittany Bass Arvie, a newly sworn in judge at Shreveport City Court, is a graduate of the teen court program as a volunteer, making the induction ceremony even more meaningful.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, September 17, 2024
- Time: 11:30 a.m.
- Location: Shreveport City Court, 1244 Texas Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71101
- Courtroom #1
For more information about the Raider Court program or the induction ceremony, please contact: Alex Person, Director of Community Engagement, at alex.person@vyjla.org or (318) 425-4413 x106 or Erin ‘Bristol’ Woods, Marketing and Public Relations Manager, at erin.woods@vyjla.org or (318) 425-4413 x107.
About Volunteers for Youth Justice:
The mission of Volunteers for Youth Justice is to provide a community that cares for children, youth, and families in crisis. Through programs like Teen Court and Raider Court, VYJ is dedicated to fostering positive development, enhancing legal education, and promoting community engagement among young individuals.
