ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- In a packed courtroom, the Elmira Youth Court inducted their new members Wednesday night. 

Youth Court is diversion program that gives first-time offenders between the ages of 7 and 15 a chance to avoid entering the criminal justice system or Family Court.
Student members serve as clerks, facts attorneys, law guardians, and judges handling cases, making judgments, and issuing sentences, after completing several weeks of training.

"Not everyone gets the experience that we have to really make a difference like this. I mean, there's kids that they wouldn't have this opportunity otherwise to change their course and better themselves. So, I think it's incredible," said Natalie Risley, a head judge and student member of the Elmira Youth Court.

The Elmira Youth Court handles more than 200 cases a year.  Leaders say the program can help every child who participates.

"It really does help with the public speaking, but not only that. It kind of gives you confidence in yourself and then when you're helping other people, you know it just makes you feel good about yourself. And that is part of the reasons, along with other reasons just to see what's going on in your community, be able to help out with some things going on in your community, be able to help out with some of the youth in your community," said Lisa Miller, the Youth Court coordinator.

34 new members were sworn in by community leaders and their peers, who said they were ready to bring a new generation into the program.

"Exciting is probably my best word to describe it," said Olivia Vinsek, a side judge and student member of the Elmira Youth Court.  "I am so excited to work with them and see them grow, because I was in that exact position just two years ago and it's crazy because the time has flown. It feels like I was just there yesterday."

To learn more about Elmira Youth Court, click here.