Parents
Parents of Volunteers
Volunteering with Teen Court can provide the following benefits to your child:
∗ Learn about the American Legal and Criminal Justice systems
∗ Gain community service experience and earn hours for school credit or scholarships
∗ Develop skills in critical thinking, public speaking, debate and working in groups
∗ Interact with elected and appointed officials and members of the court
∗ Develop compassion for fellow teens and society
∗ Volunteer in a safe, supervised, professional environment
∗ Meet new friends and make contacts for the future
FAQ's For Parents of Volunteers.
Parents of Defendants
Teen Court provides your child a "second chance". Although they will face real consequences for their crime, successful completion of the Teen Court program will allow them to aviod a prosecution or conviction on their permanent record. It will also teach that dealing with the criminal justice system is a daunting process and one that should be avoided later in life.
By accepting the Teen Court option, your child can:
∗ Face the consequences of their actions in a fair and expedient manner
∗ Be sentenced by fellow teens rather than a jury of adults or a judge
∗ Benefit from the weekly "rap sessions" where teens come togeher to discuss issues of concern
∗ Learn and grow from the community service that will be assigned
∗ Upon successful completion of the program, avoid a record of prosecution or convinction on their permanent record