Teen Court program helping Arizona youth avoid jail time
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Teen Court is a prevention/diversion program that provides not only a courtroom atmosphere in which students can hear the circumstances involved in a violation of the law and subsequently order a consequence but also plays an important role in educating young people about the law and citizenship.
“They’re learning to be a part of the law in a positive way versus a negative way,” said Pamela Neal, the director and Teen Court facilitator.
Students are trained to be attorneys, jurors, bailiffs, and forepersons in the cases of youth who have committed real offenses.
“Every time an infraction happens in the school then those kids can be referred by the administrators to the school Teen Court program versus going into the real juvenile court program,” Neal said.
The program is designed for youth charged with non-violent crimes to be tried in front of their peers where they will then receive constructive consequences such as community service hours, restitution, letters of apology, counseling, tutoring, research papers, educational classes, skill-building classes and the assignment of jury duty.
“Those cases are closed. They never have to put them on a job application, resume, or anything,” Neal said.
The goal is to give these kids accused a second chance and allow students who volunteer their time to get involved in the community, learn about the law, and develop leadership skills.
“We want to make sure we give generational success, and we want to make sure that the generation under us learn those valuable lessons,” said participant Naomi Malone.
To learn more or to get involved in Teen Court, click/tap here.
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