Magna coalition touts prevention work as Youth Court expands into Granite district

Jordan Peterson, coordinator for the Magna United Communities That Care coalition, told the council the coalition focuses on prevention strategies to reduce youth substance use and delinquency. Peterson described the CTC five-phase model and said the coalition had strengthened leadership, updated bylaws, and was moving into implementation and monitoring. "For every $1 spent on prevention, there was a $5.69 return," Peterson said while outlining the coalition's evidence base and cost-effectiveness.

Amber Leeds, who helped develop Youth Court, said the Magna Kearns Youth Court has transitioned into Granite Communities Youth Court to increase sustainability and reach; she said the program now serves youth through sessions in four locations, including a Magna site, and covers 87 schools in 18 ZIP codes. Chair Audrey Cooley invited council members to serve on the coalition's key leader board and the presenters said upcoming data (2025 survey results) would be reviewed by the data and evaluation work group with invitations extended to the council. Presenters clarified that funding for these initiatives comes from state and federal sources and not directly from Magna City.

Council members asked about volunteer numbers, attorney involvement and referral pathways for Youth Court; presenters said the coalition communicated regularly with over 100 community members, typically had six volunteers at events, and that referrals to Youth Court could come from law enforcement, school administration, or the courts with attorney review of paperwork when necessary.