Vernon County Youth in Governance Programs

• The Vernon County Teen Court program has made a positive impact since it’s inception in 2001. Teen Court has served 344 first-time youth offenders, ages 12-17 since 2001. These youth have a wide variety of offenses, from underage drinking to theft to disorderly conduct. The recidivism rate, the percentage of youth that re-offend within 5 years, is 11%, well below the state average of 15%. The Vernon County Teen Court program utilizes a peer-jury model, which means that the jury hearing cases is drawn from teen volunteers and youth sanctioned to serve on the jury as a result of their actions that brought them into Teen Court. This blend of experience, age and motivation creates a diverse jury with a rich blend of perspectives.
• Five Vernon County youth serve on Kickapoo School Board committees in 2004, including budget, policy, building/grounds/transportation and post-graduate survey. The students attend regular board meetings where they may participate in public discussion, but not in board debate.
• Youth ambassadors initiated and organized a Super Saturday event to promote outdoor education in partnership with the DNR. 125 youth and 80 adults attended this youth-led event, up from 18 at the previous event.
• 4-H Leader Parent Federation has 10 youth representative positions, with full voting privileges on the board.
• Extension trains youth volunteers for the Teen Court program.

For more information: Vernon County UW-Extension Youth Development