Colts Neck High School Students Join Juvenile Conference Committee

As part of their Law and Public Service senior service learning project, Colts Neck seniors Grace Gewirtz and Ava Cicero-Johnson developed an opportunity for LPS ninth and tenth graders to join the Monmouth County Juvenile Conference Committee. Inspired by their involvement as interns at the Monmouth County Courthouse, these seniors utilized their connections to expand community outreach from Colts Neck High School into the Monmouth County family court. Nonetheless, this endeavor would not have been possible without the effort and enthusiasm of the Law and Public Service first and second-year students. After presenting to the freshmen and sophomores, over fifty students portrayed their interest by attending meetings, submitting a formal application, and entering a zoom call with courthouse representatives and Judge O’Connor. After a tough decision, four outstanding Law and Public Service students were selected and have been in contact with the JCC advisory committee to prepare for upcoming panel hearings and training sessions.

The Juvenile Conference Committee is an excellent way for young individuals in our community to make a difference by implementing their opinions to help others. JCC is an expansion of the family court, wherein juveniles charged with minor crimes can present their case before the committee and receive alternate repercussions rather than traditional punishments. The court designed JCC to implement the concept of rehabilitation over the reinforcement of an endless cycle of penalties that prevent individuals from learning from their mistakes. The opinions of selfless youth volunteers across Monmouth County are invaluable to the committee as the cases pleaded by juvenile offenders involve various concepts that older generations do not understand (i.e., social media). Youth volunteers can empathize with the individuals being charged and can provide their insight to help older generations understand the moral and personal factors that might have affected the offender’s behavior.

By opening themselves up to a unique opportunity, the four individuals chosen to be a part of the Juvenile Conference Committee are paving the way for future leaders. Not only are the students changing the lives of others by acting as role models for youth in their community, but they are also enriching their understanding of the legal system. JCC members are actively working to reform unfairness in the judicial system and to provide second chances to kids who let a lapse of judgment get the better of them. Children should not be held to their mistakes on their permanent records as they are still learning. The Juvenile Conference Committee understands this concept and works alongside youth throughout the county to learn from their mistakes and create a better path for the future.