The Red Hook Youth Court is a peer-led tribunal, part of an innovative community justice centre based in a run-down district of New York.
It has attracted the interest of government ministers in Britain for its radical approach to antisocial behaviour or, as it is known in the US, quality of life crime.
The UK's first community justice centre, developed in co-operation with Red Hook Community Justice Center, will open in Liverpool at the end of this year (YPN, 7-13 July, p2).
Tale of two cities
There are obvious similarities between Red Hook and Liverpool. Both are once-thriving ports that have turned inwards during a long era of decline. Red Hook's position at the end of a peninsula on the Hudson River allowed it to thrive as a port, but the docks have closed and now water blocks the community in on three sides. To the north, a major road cuts across the neighbourhood, and the lack of public transport to anywhere that might offer employment seals Red Hook's isolation. It is an area blighted by drug use, a dangerous place to grow up.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here