NY S07758

Establishes youth court diversion programs allowing criminal and family courts to refer violation and misdemeanor offenses to youth courts for determination of sanctions, with consent of the youth and (for criminal court) the district attorney.

Defines youth courts as tribunals of trained young people or adults who conduct dispositional hearings and assign constructive sanctions including community service, restitution, education workshops, and behavior modification classes to help youth make better decisions and reduce recidivism.

Allows referrals from criminal court (violations and misdemeanors), family court (misdemeanors), schools, law enforcement, probation, and prosecutors for youth under 19 at time of alleged offense or under 21 if currently enrolled in school.

Upon successful completion of sanctions, all court, police, and probation records are automatically sealed; upon failure to complete within six months, the case may be restored to court but youth cannot receive a harsher sentence or disposition than if not referred to youth court.

Provides immunity from liability for youth courts, organizing entities, volunteers, and youth; makes all youth court records confidential except as necessary to notify the referring body; takes effect 60 days after enactment.