What is Teen Court?
Teen Court is a diversion program sponsored by the Boys & Girls Club, where youth defendants between the ages of 10 and 18 are given a second chance. Through a referral from the Office of the States Attorney, young people have an opportunity to stand in front of a jury of their peers to explain the crime they committed. The program has been in existence since 2007.
The program’s objectives are to:
1. Rehabilitate the juveniles who engage in the program
2. Instill in the youth a sense of accountability for their actions
3. Give youth the ability to understand the detrimental impact a criminal history can have on their future
The program also allows our organization to collaborate with local businesses and individuals who serve as role models. Local attorneys serve as our Teen Court judges. Teen volunteers are trained to serve as jurors, attorneys, bailiff and clerks. All of the youth involved achieve a true understanding of the consequences of breaking the law.
Watertown area members founded the program so that teen first-offenders who are guilty of a misdemeanor might serve an appropriate sentence. Upon successful completion of the program, they will have their record expunged and offenders will have opportunities to participate in community service activities. The cases that have been seen by the program include vandalism, petty theft underage possession of alcohol, and possession of marijuana.
After the case has been heard, the teen jury deliberates on a disposition. This disposition is made up of community service, community action points, Where am I’s, essays, classes, and also to sit in as a juror for future sessions. The defendant then has 90 days to complete this disposition. Every second and fourth Monday, the defendant is expected to meet with the Teen Court Coordinator to discuss progress and program objectives.
