Colonie Youth Court Public Safety Center 312 Wolf Road Latham, New York 12110 (518) 782-2638 colydasv@colonie.org

Welcome to the Town of Colonie Youth Court Web Site. Youth Court is a voluntary alternative to the criminal justice system for young people who have committed a crime or an offense. The goal of Youth Court is to intervene in early anti-social, delinquent, and criminal behavior, and to reduce the incidence and prevent the escalation of such behavior. Youth Court strives to promote feelings of self esteem and a desire for self improvement, and to foster a healthy attitude towards rules and authority. Youth Court also offers a law-related education program for young people who seek to become members of the court.

On Thursday, February 7, 2008, the White House held its 3rd Anniversary Reception of the Helping America's Youth Initiative. Mrs. Bush leads this nationwide effort to raise awareness about the challenges facing our youth and to promote the efforts of youth-serving organizations. She utilized the last 3 years visiting youth programs and organizations who support her mission to help at-risk youth. On October 4, 2006, the First Lady visited the Colonie Youth Court program to view a mock trial presented by the youth court members.

Invited guest, Violet Colydas, Director of the Colonie Youth Court, attended the White House event. President Bush and the First Lady made remarks in the East Room on the Initiative's progress since 2005. President Bush signed an executive order to continue its successful efforts and increase the cooperation of federal, state, local and private sectors to help support communities and organizations working to help our Nation's youth. . Following their remarks, Mrs. Bush invited her guests to join her in the State Dining Room for a reception. Approximately 175 people representing various youth organizations around the country attended the event.

"It was an honor to see the President and Mrs. Bush again. I was able to congratulate her personally on her successful efforts on her Helping America's Youth Initiative. She has done a remarkable job coordinating this effort, and I am grateful to have been granted this once in a lifetime opportunity to be apart the President's and Mrs. Bush's celebration at the White House." says Violet Colydas, Director, Colonie Youth Court.

 

First Lady Laura Bush Visits Colonie Youth Court

To view a larger picture please click on it.

All photos courtsey of Sheelah Craighead, White House Photographer

Pictured front row from left to right:Stephanie Kieran, Steve Garabedian, Ashley Tanski, Jessica Haas, Vanessa Mauriello, Tahsin Khan, First Lady Laura Bush, Kenny Thai, Ariona Adams, Rhea Nichols, Sophia Abassi, Patty Lockart, and Violet Colydas Pictured back row from left to right:Evan Gordon, Kaizad Irani, Mike Stangle, Matt Bogdan, Sgt. Mike Woods, Mike Elmendorf, Judge Crummey, Judge Sommers, Taylor DuJack, Judge Tatro, Christopher Pericak, Katherine Thomas, Kraig Odabashian, and Brendan Reilly
Laura Bush and Youth Court Director, Violet Colydas observe youth court member Kaizad Irani questioning his witness	Youth Court Director, Violet Colydas and Laura Bush observe the mock hearing
Mrs. Bush Observing Youth Court Mock Trial	First Lady Laura Bush and Youth Court member Sophia Abassi in the background
Mrs. Bush speaking to youth court members regarding their participation in helping America’s youth	First Lady Laura Bush and Prosecutor Matthew Bogdan conversing about the case
Youth Court member, Matthew Bogdan presenting his opening statement to the jury.

Former members respond to the on line Youth Court Survey Go Here

Colonie Youth Court featured in TIME Magazine

In the July 18th edition of TIME Magazine Colonie Youth Court was featured in the Society section of the magazine.  Go here to learn more.
To view pictures of this event  Go here

Youth Court was featured on FOX'S new show titled "FOX report with Shepard Smith" on August 5th. On August 18th a film crew from CBS in NYC filmed Colonie Youth Court cases. The piece will be aired at a later date on the CBS Evening News To view pictures of the CBS News event go here.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A JUROR?

If you are in Grades 7-12 and are a Town of Colonie resident than Go Here to down load the form.