Roots & Wings Teen Court Program
What is Teen Court?
Teen Court is a voluntary diversion program in which teens sentence their peers for first-time misdemeanor offenses such as shoplifting, theft, trespassing, undisciplined behavior, vandalism, simple assault, misdemeanor assault, disorderly conduct, and school behaviors, etc.
Just because a bad thing occurs does not make a youth a bad child, therefore Teen Court gives these youths a second chance to be held accountable for their actions.
The philosophy is to use peer pressure as a positive force that holds teen offenders accountable for their actions. The emphasis is on restorative justice, seeking to repair the harm done to the victim, school, and community.
Just because a bad thing occurs does not make a youth a bad child, therefore Teen Court gives these youths a second chance to be held accountable for their actions.
The philosophy is to use peer pressure as a positive force that holds teen offenders accountable for their actions. The emphasis is on restorative justice, seeking to repair the harm done to the victim, school, and community.
How does Teen Court work? The program staff receives referrals from Juvenile Services, Student Resource Officers, School Personnel, or Law Enforcement.
After deciding if the referral and offense are appropriate, program staff will contact the juvenile’s parents/guardian and schedule an intake meeting with the juvenile and their parents/guardian. Rules and expectations are discussed, program contracts are signed, and a Teen Court date is set. Offenders from ages 11-18 must admit guilt and the court serves as a sentencing process, decided by peers. |
What happens at Teen Court? Defendants are questioned by defense and prosecuting attorneys to determine the circumstances of the offense.
After careful consideration and deliberation, the teen jury determines a fair and constructive sentence which may include community service, participation in future teen court sessions, counseling, essays, and letters of apology to the victim, parents, and school administration. The Defense Attorney, Prosecuting Attorney, Bailiff, Clerk, and Teen Jury are all made up of teens between 12-18 years old. |