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 | Person County Teen Court Program | |||||||||||||
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What is it? Teen Court is an alternative system of restorative justice. It is a court where first-time offenders are tried by their peers for misdemeanor offenses. Offenders admit guilt or responsibility and are held accountable for their actions. Student volunteers take the roles of clerks, bailiffs, attorneys and jurors. District and Superior Court judges and attorneys volunteer to serve as Teen Court judges. Teen Court is a "hands on" opportunity for offenders and volunteers to learn about the legal system. It is a vehicle for positive peer pressure. Youth brought before Teen Court as offenders learn to accept responsibility for their actions, and they pay back the community through service and Teen Court duties. The program empowers youth to work on ways to reduce crime and violence in their schools and community. Who may participate? Middle and high school students are needed as volunteers in Teen Court. Student offenders may be referred to Teen Court for such misdemeanors as: The Teen Court process begins when a referral is received from the Juvenile Intake Court Counselor, court officials, law enforcement officers (including School Resource Officers), or school administrator. If the juvenile does not have a prior record and is willing to admit responsibility for the offense, the case is accepted into the Teen Court program. An interview is scheduled with the juvenile and his/her parent or guardian. The parties sign an agreement to voluntarily participate, with the understanding that criminal charges will not be pursued if the juvenile successfully completes the Teen Court sentence. During the intake interview, rules and regulations for the program are discussed and a Teen Court appearance date is set. The juvenile is assured that all Teen Court proceedings will be held in strict confidence. Discipline Grid: Punishment is determined by a grid. Peer juries determine sentencing based on the severity and circumstances of the offense. | ||||||||||||||
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| In addition to community service, the following can also be required: All participants in Teen Court will be required to honor the confidentiality of Teen Court proceedings and the names or identities of the youths referred to the Court. Community Service Workshops: There are a variety of community service placements available with county and non-profit agencies. Site placement is determined based on the needs of the agency, the interests of the student, and the number of hours of constructive Teen Court sentence required. Benefits to the Community: Evidence has shown that most young people stay out of trouble following a Teen Court hearing. The program saves the community and the court system a significant amount of money. More importantly, youth who participate in Teen Court learn new skills and responsibility to the community and they can develop into community leaders. Each year non-profit and county agencies receive the benefit of several thousand hours of community service, performed by Teen Court youth. Benefits to the Teenagers: Teen Court gives student volunteers an opportunity to help their peers and their community. In the process, they learn about the law and develop public speaking skills. Student offenders have the opportunity to keep from getting a juvenile or district court record if they successfully complete their Teen Court session. Teen Court can: Dress Code: Teen Court is a formal, serious place that commands respect from all who participate in its proceedings. Therefore, the following dress code is expected to be observed: Person County Teen Court Program is grateful for funding from the State Legislature, the Person County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, the Governor's Crime Commission, and the County of Person.
Program Staff
Sharon Lofton - Program Coordinator Willie Abney & Malinda Davis - Program Assistants Trevie Adams - Secretary | ||||||||||||||
