Officials with the Prevention Council of Saratoga County said in December they needed to raise around $50,000 by the end of January in order to keep the program afloat this year, after state funding fell through.

The group has raised just 10 percent of its goal to date, but a temporary leave of absence at the Saratoga Springs-based organization has freed up some money and allowed the program to continue through at least the end of February.

Two staffers who were typically dedicated full-time to the youth court initiative are now sharing responsibilities and filling in for the staff member on leave, said Patty Kilgore, the Prevention Council's clinical director.

Though some money has been raised, Kilgore said it's not enough to pay the salaries of the two youth court dedicated staffers and keep the program running after the staff member on leave returns next month.

Prevention Council staffers have been pleading with local, state and federal officials for help and have also reached out to civic organizations and businesses for assistance.

The pleas for assistance, including personal pitches from past offenders and youth court officers, will continue throughout the month in hope of preserving the program, Kilgore said.

"Our goal is to find a sustainable source of funding, but we're still desperate for money right now," she said.

Youth court trials are being held in the same time and place to save money, she said.

The program, which typically handles around 100 cases a year, allows first time, non-violent offenders 18 years and younger to face a jury of their peers and clear their records after completing community service and other duties.

Cases typically involve trespassing, alcohol possession or vandalism.

Proponents of the initiative say the program provides offenders with the context they need to realize their actions were wrong, while also allowing young people with an interest in law a chance to familiarize themselves with the legal system.

It can also help save the government-run judicial system time and money by keeping cases off their dockets, advocates say.

Donations can be provided through the Prevention Council's Web site, www.preventioncouncil.org.