Teen Court 2009

You are a part of movement gaining incredible momentum at the start of the 21st century—a movement of volunteers, teachers, attorneys, judges, probation officers, and others concerned about providing youths with opportunities to learn about and produce justice: youth courts. Youth court programs were developed as an alternative to the traditional juvenile court system for younger and less serious offenders. These young offenders are offered youth court as a voluntary alternative to the juvenile justice system. In most cases respondents, the young people who are sentence in youth court, have admitted guilt to offenses ranging from school violations to minor misdemeanors. In the past many of these offenses would have received little attention, or maybe even were not addressed, but with youth courts respondents are given the attention they need to help them avoid making the same mistakes in the future. The young volunteers who serve as defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, bailiffs, and jurors become acquainted with the workings of our system of justice. But more importantly, they learn to express themselves, to problem solve, to work with others, and to become leaders in their communities. The respondents who come to youth court are given a chance to restore the harm they have caused their community. Their problems are addressed in a caring manner, and they realize that they do not have to face their problems alone. Youth courts are becoming an integral part of the American justice system. They are an ideal learning lab for young people to explore the nature of restorative justice. Youth courts serve the needs of youths and our communities as a whole, and their success ensures a healthier, stronger society. Mabel C. McKinney-Browning Director, ABA Division for Public Education December 2001 Fisher, Margaret C. Youth Courts: A Guide for Trainers of Student Volunteers. Chicago: Chicago Press Corporation, 2001.

Teen Court is a program of the Community and Family Resource Center which receives funding through participant fees, United Way of Greater Lafayette, and private donations. For more information, to volunteer your time, schedule an appointment, or to make a donation to Teen Court, please contact the Juvenile Justice Specialist at (765) 742-5046.

Tippecanoe County

The Community and Family Resource Center is a not-forprofit United Way agency. We have been providing services to the Greater Lafayette community since 1929. The mission of the Community and Family Resource Center is to provide programs, services, and resources that improve the quality of lives of children and families.

Community and Family Resource Center 330 Fountain Street PO Box 1186 Lafayette, IN 47902-1186 Phone: (765) 742-5046 Fax: (765) 742-5040

Teen Court

www.cfrc.org

“ Youth Helping Youth today to make better choices for tomorrow.”

What Types of Cases are Heard in Teen Court?

What is Teen Court? Teen Court is a diversion program designed for juvenile offenders to teach them about the justice system and the consequences of their actions before they become a part of the traditional justice system.

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Shoplifting

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Battery

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Truancy

Teen Court is an actual sentencing hearing for 12-17 year olds who have already admitted guilt in the crime they committed.

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Vandalism

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Curfew Violation

Teen Court also provides a place for teens to volunteer. The Student Advisory Board (STAB) is made up of students from around the community that volunteer their time to play roles found in the traditional court system.

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Minor Consumption

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Public Intoxication

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Runaway Traffic Violations, such as no financial responsibility, operating without a license (up to 15 years old)

How Can Teen Court Affect My Future?

How does Teen Court Work and What are the Sentences Like? Once referred to Teen Court, respondents meet with CFRC’s Juvenile Justice Specialist to learn about the rules and regulations of the program, what to expect on court night, and what the sentencing guidelines are for their infraction. Sentences are usually a combination of community service, restitution, apologies to victims, essays, counseling, workshops, and future service as a Teen Court juror. Each respondent is given 90 days to complete their sentence. Upon successful completion, respondents are encouraged to volunteer and become STAB members.

Teen Court gives respondents a second chance. If respondents in the diversion program complete the Teen Court successfully, then at age 18 they can petition the Juvenile Justice System to erase the incident from their record. Respondents must remain out of the justice system until then to have a clean record.

How do I volunteer for Teen Court? Teen Court’s Student Advisory Board (STAB) provides volunteers with education, training, and “hands-on” participation in the juvenile justice system. This experience enhances formal education in government, promotes respect for the law and encourages volunteering in the community. Positions in the court room: Bailiff: maintains order in the courtroom, calls court to order, guards the jury Clerk: Assists with sign-in process, calls cases, swears in offenders, reads Jury Findings Report Jury foreperson: Leads deliberations, fills out the Jury Findings Report Form. Volunteers also serve on juries to constructively sentence the offenders and hold them accountable to the community for their actions. Defense Attorney: represents offender, presents evidence, questions witnesses** Prosecuting attorney: Represents the state’s position against offender, presents evidence, questions witnesses** **Requires additional training

What is required to become a Teen Court Volunteer? As a parent or guardian, what is my role in Teen Court? A parent or guardian plays a vital role in the success of their teen in Teen Court. Parents/Guardians are expected to accompany their teen to the intake meeting with the Juvenile Justice Specialist, attend the assigned court night, and sometime participate with their teen in parts of their sentence.

All youth MUST: 1.

Attend scheduled training and court sessions.

2.

Honor confidentiality for all Teen Court sessions

3.

Participate with other Teen Court members in determining fair consequences for the offenders.

4.

Abide by the conduct, behavior, and dress code guidelines.