NCJ Number
244242
Date Published
2013
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This report explains the importance, features, and content of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between teen court/youth court programs and mentoring programs to which the youth sentenced by these courts may be referred.
Abstract
Teen courts/youth courts are diversion programs in which juveniles are sentenced by their peers for minor crimes. The sentences imposed often include referral of the youth to a mentoring program, in which a non-parental adult builds a relationship with the youth that provides the context for guiding and supporting the youth in behaviors and attitudes that foster positive development. A MOU is a document developed in partnership between the mentoring program and the referring court in order to describe the nature and responsibilities of the parties involved in the joint venture. A MOU is not as binding as a contract; it outlines a commitment to work together toward a common purpose or goal. A well-crafted MOU fosters effective communication between partners, increases access to a wide range of resources, strengthens existing and new partnerships, and provides a framework for addressing issues of mutual concern. Tips and strategies are outlined for writing MOUs. They include identifying all individuals/entities to be involved in the MOU agreement; meeting together in order to identify shared functions, services, and/or resources needed; and discussing a plan on how the parties may cooperate in delivering services and sharing resources. Other tips pertain to the content of the MOU, the timeline for when the partnership and agreement will begin and end, and specification of the responsibilities of each of the parties to the MOU. The final wording and content of the MOU should be reviewed, authorized, signed, and dated by the parties to the MOU. MOU policy and programmatic discussion points are outlined. A listing of 15 training and technical assistance resources