Juvenile Justice Service Directory

Teen court is an alternative system of justice. It is a court where first-time offenders are sentenced by their peers and are thereby held accountable for their actions. The creative and constructive sentences handed down through Teen Court are meant not only to deter the offender from future criminal activity, but also to educate, counsel, and rehabilitate the offender. Teen Court utilizes trained student volunteers, under adult supervision, to serve in various capacities.

The 4-H BEST Community Service/Restitution Program offers an accountability model with a focus on community service and monetary restitution which provides benefits for the victims and the community. Additionally, it provides a mechanism through which youth who have committed unlawful acts can make amends for the offense. The program serves to habilitate juvenile offenders into a world of work by teaching them basic life skills and providing as positive experience as possible for program youth.

Teen Court is an alternative system of restorative justice. It is a court where their peers try first time offenders 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.

Programming provides evidence-based curriculum in group sessions to address the needs of youth and parents/guardians facilitated by positive adult role models. Sessions include, but not limited to, life skills, education activities for youth to reduce the risk of gang involvement, youth violence and better decision making skills which reduce and/or eliminate further involvement with juvenile court.