Peer Court Referral Criteria

Peer Court functions as a Restorative Justice alternative to punitive sanctions
such as unnecessary arrests, suspensions and expulsions.

Based in Restorative Justice values, Peer Court works with all affected parties
in a constructive fashion to identify the harm that was caused by the incident
and take the necessary steps to move toward accountability, community safety
and repair of the harm that was caused.

Peer Court staff will report regularly to the referral source on the progress
of the respondent within the program. Youth who do not successfully complete
the program will be referred directly back to the referral source for further action.

The minimum requirements for referral to Peer Court are:

     1. Referrals must use the ONLINE REFERRAL FORM at: www.peercourt.org, or refer by FAX: (415) 865-2538 or email: referrals@peercourt.org

     2. All referrals to Peer Court must be made as an alternative to arrest, probation,
          appearance in juvenile court, school expulsion or suspension (3day minimum suspension alternative).

     3. Referral source must clearly indicate the course of action to which Peer Court is an alternative.

     4. Student will admit guilt for the offense.

     5. Parents will sign voluntary participation forms.

     6. Schools and Law Enforcement will agree that no further action will be taken against
         the respondent, as long as he or she is satisfying the terms and conditions of the program.

     7. Schools and Law Enforcement agree that if the respondent fails the program, he or she
         will be subject to the original punishment for which Peer Court was an alternative.
         (ie: on program failure, they will be arrested, suspended or expelled).

     8. Schools and Law Enforcement must follow protocol for referrals and provide
          all necessary documents and contact information to Peer Court staff.

     9. Referrals must be accompanied by a police report or other official incident report.

     10. Referrals are only complete once all procedures have been followed and
          the case is confirmed received in writing or email by both Peer Court staff and the referral source.

Go To: Online Referral Form  
Go To: Main Peer Court Page

Tony Litwak
Peer Court Program Director www.peercourt.org
415-264-2675 tony@peercourt.org