Philosophy

Teen Court is a voluntary program, which assists teenage offenders in assuming responsibility for their behavior through involvement in the judicial process and work in the community. By bringing the teens before a jury of their peers, which sentences them to constructive service in an agency of their choice, this program seeks to deter teens from future unlawful practices, while providing direct experience in the judiciary system and an understanding of their roles in society. Additionally, the community reciprocally benefits from these youth's involvement in their programs. Each individual's self-worth will be maintained by respectful treatment and confidentiality.

Goals

• Hold juvenile offenders responsible for their behavior and make them recognize that the consequences are a direct result of their own actions
• Promote a positive attitude of teenagers toward authority by treating all individuals with respect
• Provide teenage defendants with a positive experience in the judicial system, thereby reducing recidivism and helping deter the possibility of their committing other crimes.
• Establish positive relationships between the community and its youth, which creates greater understanding and communication
• Offer an opportunity for young people to experience the consequences of their behavior without having a juvenile court record
• Expose young people to the realism of the judicial process and the consequences of illegal behavior
• Provide an alternative to juvenile court proceedings
• Promote feelings of self esteem, motivation for self-improvement, and development of healthy attitudes toward authority
• Educate participants about the judicial system
• Provide a vehicle for students interested in careers in law enforcement, law and legal services, such as court reporting, to participate in the legal process
• Involve the community in the juvenile court process

 

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Teen Court Training for 2011 - 2012 Court Term

Want to learn about the Judicial system and how it works? Here's an opportunity for you - Come to our Training Session for this next years court term.

WHEN: August 6, 2011 - 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

WHERE: Camp Twin Lakes YMCA, 204 E. Little Elm Trail  Cedar Park, Texas 78613

WHAT: Pizza for lunch will be provided. Be prepared to learn.

Sign up now - Click Here for more details.