Teen volunteers are recruited from local schools and trained in court proceedings. Teen Court offers much to juvenile offenders, volunteers, courts, and the community. The program is aimed at preventing repeated crimes by providing offenders with new opportunffles for positive development and personal success. Volunteers benefit from their exposure to the legal system and learn to take responsibility for making decisions that affect the welfare of others. The jury creates contracts with such elements as restitution and apology letters to victims, community service work, counseling and educational programs.
Courts benefit by the reduction of repeat offender cases.
The recidivism rate for Teen Court in other areas is reported to be as low as 7 percent. Our Community benefits by reaching youth who may fall through the cracks in the juvenile justice system and diverting an offender from a delinquent IHestyle.