April 14, 2004

In attendance: Mary Fleetwood, Tanyetta Felder, Alma Mills, Elizabeth Adams, Tyson Gillespie, Laura Whitlock, Ethel Lowry, Donald Lanier, Beth DeHart

Chairperson, Rich Schiliro was not present at the meeting. Mary Fleetwood called the meeting to order.

The first order of business was to announce the officers for the 2004 calendar year. They were:

Chairperson: Rich Schiliro Mt. Pleasant Youth Court

Vice Chairperson: Sam Gadegbeku W. A. Perry Middle School Youth Court

Secretary: Mary Fleetwood Allendale Sheriff’s Youth Court

Treasurer: Lessie Penn Dorchester School Dist. 2 Youth Court

Beth DeHart introduced Ethel Lowry from the Governor’s State Office of Victim Assistance (SOVA). Ms. Lowry gave the group an overview of the services available through SOVA and there was discussion of how SOVA could interface with the SCYCA. It is possible to have respondents pay restitution directly to the state SOVA fund, which was discussed as an interesting option. Ms. Lowry also indicated that she had staff who could visit with local youth courts and provide information or additional training on victims issues to youth court volunteers. Ms. Lowry brought printed information for all SCYCA members and offered more should more be needed.

The group had lunch and proceeded to discussion about the SCYCA IOLTA grant projects. A work group involving Elizabeth Adams, Melvin Magwood, and Beth DeHart had been formed to work on getting the trainers in place. Elizabeth Adams in the Office of Safe Schools and Youth Services volunteered to head the “Trainers” work group. The group had drafted an application for potential new youth court trainers and would be sending it out soon. Elizabeth asked that if anyone knew people who might want to apply to please let her know. Trainers do not necessarily have to be youth court affiliated, however, some knowledge of youth court would help. Names need to be submitted quickly, so that selections of trainers can be made and training of the trainers scheduled.

A workgroup involving Ruth Fowler, Lalita Ashley, and Donald Lanier was also formed to work on the Evaluation project. Donald volunteered to head the group. Donald developed an RFP and sent it out to several potential evaluators. The group selected Dr. Mitch Miller of the University of SC to conduct the evaluation. His work has begun and member courts can expect to be hearing from him if they have not already. Courts were encouraged to take the time to fill out the state-wide evaluation from Dr. Miller and return it as soon as possible. Donald could provide one for any court that may not have received one.

The 2004 Youth Court Regional Awareness Meetings began in January in Greenville and Columbia, and the final two are scheduled for Monday, April 19th, 2004 in Charleston and April 20th, 2004 in Florence. If anyone is interested in attending or know someone who is interested in forming a youth court, please pass this information on. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Adams. Her e-mail address is EAdams@sde.state.sc.us.

As part of the general discussion, it was mentioned that it would be helpful to initiate training on mediation for all youth court coordinators. Beth DeHart was to follow up on this. It was also mentioned that at the summer meeting, courts should try to bring one or two students to participate in the discussion. And finally, it was suggested that we try to collect a sample of every court’s brochure or handout to have on hand for reference and comparison.

The meeting was adjourned by Mary Fleetwood.