Teen court is now in

A juvenile justice diversion program for early teen offenders where youth, accompanied by their parents, go in front of an adult judge and a jury of teen peers, who create unique and restorative sentences, rather than the traditional juvenile justice or school disciplinary process. Typical crimes referred to Teen Court include alcohol and drug offenses, petty theft, burglary, assault, driving offenses, curfew violations, trespassing, graffiti and vandalism. The youth must take responsibility for their offense before attending their peer review hearing and agree to accept the sentence provided by the jury. There is a fee for all services and a sliding fee scale is available upon request. No client will be turned away due to inability to pay for services. Thank you for helping me realize that I have a second chance to turn my life around and do better things.

An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Our contention is that if peer pressure can be used to exert a negative influence, it likewise can be used as a positive force. Those who work with youth know just how instrumental peer pressure can be in the decision-making process of all young minds. Teen Court is based upon the premise that most young people want to do what is right when making decisions. Even those who may make the wrong choice due to external factors such as peer pressure are often gratified to learn that they have an opportunity to make amends. Peer pressure in this court setting will have a more immediate and meaningful effect upon the individual than the more traditional juvenile justice approach. The message given by a peer jury will be long remembered by those seeking to fit within a group and be accepted.

The program has been active for over thirty years and helps teens charged with misdemeanor offenses get back on the right track, while also navigating the criminal justice process. Teens and outside volunteers have the opportunity to serve on the defense, prosecution, and jury in order to determine the proper punishment for the crime at hand. Thousands of children now have come through the system and teen court will continue to provide those services," said Attorney Bob Noel, Board Member Emeritus.

One day after school last December, year-old Michael took the stand in a Brooklyn courtroom. His name has been changed since he is a minor. He had walked in with a scowl, but now looked like he was about to cry.