Beverly Hills and Drexel Hill middle schools in Upper Darby have added a year-long elective course on youth court where students serve in various roles while hearing cases on the infractions of their peers, writes Kevin Tustin for the News of Delaware County.

Students from three eighth-grade classes are participating in the first year of court sessions as judge, jury, and other court servants. Their task is to provide restorative justice when dealing with code-of-conduct violators in the two schools.

According to the school district’s Director of Student Affairs, Greg Manfre, restorative means are used as an intervention for behavior where detention and suspension are ineffective.

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Cases are referred to the court by administrators after consultations with the students and their parents. Students who admit their infraction are issued a court date when they are questioned by the jury, which decides on the appropriate restorative disposition.

“It’s intentionally meant to be very reflective and force the respondent to truly reflect on not only how they were impacted, but how their decision impacted those around them,” said Frank Salerno, Drexel Hill’s Principal.

Read more about the course in the News of Delaware County by clicking here.

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