NCJ Number
160115
Journal
Perspectives Volume: 20 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1996) Pages: 20-24
Date Published
1996
Length
5 pages
Annotation
An overview of the teen court concept and how teen courts are structured and operate is provided that specifically focuses on empowering youth in community prevention and intervention efforts.
Abstract
Adolescence is a time when young people develop skills, habits, and attitudes that will prepare them as they transition to adulthood. Teen courts serve a dual function for adolescents: (1) provide a mechanism for holding youthful offenders accountability; and (2) educate youth on the legal system and offer youth in the community an avenue for developing, enhancing, and practicing life skills. The number of teen courts is increasing as people realize the many benefits associated with these programs and the wide range of young people who can be influenced by them. The operation and administration of teen court programs, however, varies considerably across the United States, as demonstrated by an American Probation and Parole Association survey that located approximately 190 teen court programs operating in 25 States as of September 1995. The survey found that teen court program models could be classified according to two categories, trial models and peer jury models. The survey also showed that most teen court programs targeted first-time offenders and that community involvement and support were essential in all stages of teen court development and operation. Critical areas that teen court program developers need to address are examined. 10 references, 1 endnote, and 2 figures