It’s that time of year to enjoy some of the bountiful harvest of local Blount county farmers as well as, farmers from other parts of East Tennessee. The Blount County Youth Court is asking you once again to join them for their annual fund-raising event and enjoy a delicious meal, hear some music by local musicians and support a worthy cause.
This dinner will include a four-course meal composed of seasonal and local ingredients prepared by Miss Lily’s Catering from Townsend. Guests will enjoy a beautiful summer evening full of delicious food and drink and great conversation while celebrating all things local and supporting the Blount County Youth Court.
You can help the organization by purchasing a ticket to the event (tickets are $100) and may be purchased at Realty Executives Associates at 1213 W. Lamar Alexander Parkway or messaging the Board at https://www.facebook.com/BlountCountyYouthCourt/. In addition, if you are involved in an organization or own a business where the offenders could be of use when they must do public service, please let them know. They are looking for anything from car detailing, musical or artist opportunities, or serving another non-profit. Blount County Youth Court appreciates the community support.
The Blount County Youth Court is legacy project started by LB 2013. The underlying philosophy of a youth court is this: Young offenders respond more positively when judged by their peers and required to serve the community constructively. Local student’s volunteer to serve as jurors for the youth court. They go through various training with subjects taught by Juvenile Court Judge Kenlyn Foster and Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Kelly Thomas as well as others. The court operates under restorative justice. Non-violent offenders are referred to the court by Judge Foster and they must appear in front of jury of their peers. The jurors develop individualized consequences to help guide each youth to make better decisions through accountability. Once the offender has completed the disposition the charges are dismissed.
This is the only fund-raising event for the Blount County Youth Court. It will be held for the 2nd year at the Harmony Family Center on Montvale Road (formerly Camp Montvale) on Sunday, August 26, 2018. Pistol Creek Catch of the Day will serenade you during appetizers beginning at 5:30 and the Maryville High School String Quartet will play you through dinner. Doug Overbey, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee will speak to the attendees after dinner.
The youth court believes the program nurtures a respect for the rule of law, helps develop positive citizenship attitudes, directs the offender back on the right path and keeps recidivism rates lower. For the jurors, the youth court offers a quick in-depth look at the various parts of the judicial system. From law enforcement, to youth service workers & court administration this knowledge is paving a path for career opportunities or planting the seeds to have civic minded youth in our community.