In their written report to Warren County Circuit Judge Frank Vollor, grand jurors said Thursday that people should know what goes on with youthful offenders.

&#8220The grand jury believes the Youth Court needs to be open to the general public to allow for a better understanding by the public of the problems associated with our youths,” the report said.

Youth Court hears matters involving those under age 18 and their parents, including cases of alleged delinquency, abuse and neglect. By state law, its records and proceedings are confidential, except cases in which youngsters are convicted on criminal charges in a separate court for adults and the judge of that court asks to review their records before deciding on sentences.

Youth Court Judge John S. Price Jr. could not be reached, but Warren County District Attorney Gil Martin said Price is pushing for open court.

&#8220He told the grand jury he wants Youth Court to be open to the public, so I guess (legislators) would have to change the law,” Martin said. &#8220Right now, Youth Court is not public to protect the best interests of the children.”

Other recommendations were: