[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 23458]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 696--DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 2008 AS ``NATIONAL YOUTH 
                             COURT MONTH''

  Mr. STEVENS (for himself and Ms. Murkowski) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 696

       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
       Resolved, That the Senate designates September 2008 as 
     ``National Youth Court Month''.

                          ____________________