Probation also assists the Chico Police Department and the Butte County Sheriff's office in their graffiti removal projects by referring juveniles caught in this activity to them. We have implemented successful project models from Boston and Fresno. Through TANF and the Governor's Comprehensive Youth program funding, Probation pursues the dual straegies of prevention and intervention. We have set up a Peer Court Program, which started operation on April 13, 1999. Offenders are between 11 and 18.
Youths take the positions of jurors, baliff, prosecutor, defense attorney and jury foreperson.
The Judge is however, an actual Judge. Two participants have successfully completed the program. Five others are on track to make a successful completion around June 2001. Peer Court offenders are supervised closely after their hearings until they complete the sanctions assigned. The sessions of Peer Court now take place in the North County Courthouse at 655 Oleander in Chico.