Inside Philadelphia Community Youth Court: Where Youth Lead Justice

The Philadelphia Community Youth Court (PCYC) was established by Francine Cox-Hardaway, a prospective Arraignment Court Magistrate with a strong background in legal advocacy and civic engagement. In partnership with the Philadelphia Police Department, PCYC operates as part of the Department’s diversion initiative, providing eligible youth with an alternative to traditional prosecution.

Qualified cases are referred through the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC), Lieutenant Johnson, SEPTA Police, and participating Philadelphia schools. Rather than proceeding through the traditional criminal justice system for offenses such as minor crimes and truancy, referred cases are heard in a youth-led court setting.

The Youth Court model is rooted in restorative justice principles, focusing on identifying the underlying causes of behavior, providing supportive resources, repairing harm, and promoting positive behavioral change. Currently, approximately six to eight Youth Courts operate within Philadelphia schools.

Youth Court participants serve in various leadership roles, including:

• Youth Judges

• Bailiffs

• Jurors

• Youth Barristers (Attorneys)

• Respondents (Defendants)

Hearings are generally held on Saturday mornings during the school year and on an as-needed basis during the summer months. The next scheduled hearing will take place on July 2, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

REQUEST FOR PARTNERSHIP

PCYC is committed to strengthening the relationship between youth and law enforcement through positive engagement, mentorship, and education. We want to continue to bridge the gap between young people and law enforcement professionals, we would like to invite the National Black Police Association to partner with the PCYC program.

Specifically, we would like to invite members of the organization to:

• Visit our Youth Court program and meet with participating youth members.

• Observe a Youth Court hearing, including our upcoming hearing on July 2, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• Share professional experiences and engage in mentorship opportunities with youth participants.

• Support our efforts to build trust, accountability, leadership, and civic responsibility among Philadelphia’s youth.

The Youth Court members currently meet Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and we would be honored to coordinate a visit at a time that is convenient for your members.

We believe this partnership presents a valuable opportunity to foster stronger community relationships, create positive interactions between youth and law enforcement, and inspire the next generation of leaders. Together, we can continue to promote restorative justice, community engagement, and meaningful change for Philadelphia’s youth.

For more Information please contact Miya Anderson, our new recording secretary at 267-577-0079 or email at makaylabrown3113@gmail.com.