Parent's Guide to Youth Court

Provo Youth Court is a restorative justice program designed to help young people take responsibility for their actions while learning from the experience in a supportive and educational environment. The program allows eligible youth to resolve certain offenses outside of the traditional juvenile court system.

Youth Court is run by trained student volunteers under the supervision of adult coordinators and legal professionals. These peer volunteers serve in roles such as jurors, attorneys, and clerks, giving youth the opportunity to be heard by others their own age while being held accountable in a fair and respectful setting.

The focus of Youth Court is growth, accountability, and positive decision-making, not punishment. Outcomes may include community service, educational classes, letters of apology, or other constructive assignments designed to help youth learn and move forward successfully.

Parents or guardians are expected to attend with their child and are encouraged to support them throughout the process. Court sessions are structured, orderly, and designed to be a positive learning experience for both youth and families.

Provo Youth Court provides youth with the opportunity to learn from mistakes, repair harm, and avoid a lasting court record, while helping families navigate the process with clarity and support.

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Youth Court Participation Fee

Provo Youth Court requires a participation fee to help cover the costs of operating and maintaining the program.

Payment Options

Preferred Payment Method

  • $30 fee when paid in advance through Provo City Customer Service

  • Call Provo City’s 311 line to make your payment

  • Inform the clerk that you are making a Youth Court payment

  • A payment receipt is required and must be presented at your scheduled court appointment

Payment at Court

  • If paying at your court appointment, the fee is $40

  • Payment must be made in cash only

  • Provo Youth Court staff cannot make change and cannot accept checks or credit cards

Important Payment Notes

  • Credit card or check payments must be made directly through Provo City Customer Service by calling 311

  • Youth Court staff are unable to process card payments or checks at court

  • Please plan accordingly to avoid delays at your appointment

Use of Fees

All fees collected by Provo Youth Court are used to operate, support, and maintain the Youth Court program, ensuring it remains available to serve youth and families in the community.

Youth Court Eligibility & Expectations

Provo Youth Court is designed to be a positive, restorative alternative to traditional juvenile court proceedings or serious school discipline. The program focuses on accountability, learning, and helping youth make better choices moving forward.

Eligibility Guidelines

Youth Court is available to eligible youth who meet the program’s criteria. Please note the following eligibility requirements:

  • Youth who currently have pending cases in juvenile court are not eligible to participate in Youth Court.

  • Youth who have committed offenses that would be classified as an A misdemeanor or greater are not eligible for Youth Court.

  • Youth who repeat the same offense after completing Youth Court are generally no longer eligible to return to Youth Court for that same offense.

Program Expectations & Completion

Participation in Youth Court comes with specific responsibilities. Youth are expected to complete all requirements assigned by the Youth Court, which may include community service, educational assignments, or other restorative actions.

If a youth fails to complete the obligations assigned by Youth Court, the case will be returned to the referring officer or school administrator. At that point, the case may be submitted to juvenile court or other formal disciplinary processes, as determined by the referring agency.

Provo Youth Court is intended to provide youth with a meaningful opportunity to learn from mistakes and move forward successfully. Continued eligibility depends on participation, accountability, and completion of assigned obligations.