III 110th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 696 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES September 30 (legislative day, September 17), 2008 Mr. Stevens (for himself and Ms. Murkowski) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating September 2008 as National Youth Court Month.

Whereas a strong country begins with strong communities in which all citizens play an active role and invest in the success and future of the youth of the United States; Whereas the seventh National Youth Court Month celebrates the outstanding achievement of youth courts throughout the country; Whereas 1,255 youth court programs in 49 States and the District of Columbia provide restorative justice for juvenile offenders, resulting in effective crime prevention, early intervention, and education for all youth participants, as well as enhanced public safety throughout the United States; Whereas, by holding juvenile offenders accountable, reconciling victims, communities, juvenile offenders, and their families, and reducing caseloads for the juvenile justice system, youth courts address offenses that might otherwise go unaddressed until the offending behavior escalates and redirect the efforts of juvenile offenders toward becoming contributing members of their communities; Whereas Federal, State, and local governments, corporations, foundations, service organizations, educational institutions, juvenile justice agencies, and individual adults support youth courts because youth court programs actively promote and contribute to building successful, productive lives and futures for the youth of the United States; Whereas a fundamental correlation exists between youth service and lifelong adult commitment to, and involvement in, one’s community; Whereas volunteer service and related service learning opportunities enable young people to build character and develop and enhance life-skills, such as responsibility, decision-making, time management, teamwork, public speaking, and leadership, which prospective employers will value; and Whereas participating in youth court programs encourages youth court members to become valuable members of their communities: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate designates September 2008 as National Youth Court Month.