Peer Jury Program Hits 10-Year Milestone
In December 2010, an innovative effort to help troubled youth in Downers Grove, Illinois, celebrated its 10-year anniversary. Brian Slodysko of the TribLocal newspaper reported on the successes of the Downers Grove Peer Jury system:
The concept is simple: if a juvenile offender pleads guilty to committing a crime – ranging anywhere in severity from possession of alcohol to retail theft and even burglary – they are given the option of facing a jury of their peers who will then assess punishment.
“Research shows peers actually respect their peers in terms of their opinions and being held accountable,” said Lori Wrzesinski, the director of youth services for Downers Grove Township. “It basically is about what we can do to hold you accountable to ensure that you don’t repeat it.”
Lori Rhoades, a recent college grad and former Downers Grove North student said her time serving on a peer jury made her realize everybody makes mistakes.
“It changes perspective … which is how it should be, breaking down generalizations made about teens,” Rhoades said. “We tend to think certain types of people will misbehave. All kinds of people can make mistakes and learn from that and regain themselves.”
Tags: criminal, judicial system
