You are a part of movement gaining incredible mo-

mentum at the start of the 21st century—a move-

Tippecanoe
ment of volunteers, teachers, attorneys, judges, pro-
bation officers, and others concerned about provid-
ing youths with opportunities to learn about and pro-
Teen Court is a program of the Community and Family
duce justice: youth courts. Youth court programs

were developed as an alternative to the traditional
juvenile court system for younger and less serious
offenders. These young offenders are offered youth
court as a voluntary alternative to the juvenile justice
system.
In most cases respondents, the young people who
are sentence in youth court, have admitted guilt to
offenses ranging from school violations to minor mis-
demeanors. In the past many of these offenses
would have received little attention, or maybe even
were not addressed, but with youth courts respon-
dents are given the attention they need to help them
avoid making the same mistakes in the future.
The young volunteers who serve as defense attor-
neys, prosecutors, judges, bailiffs, and jurors be-
come acquainted with the workings of our system of
justice. But more importantly, they learn to express
themselves, to problem solve, to work with others,
and to become leaders in their communities.
The respondents who come to youth court are given
a chance to restore the harm they have caused their
community. Their problems are addressed in a car-
County
Resource Center which receives funding through partici-
pant fees, United Way of Greater Lafayette, and private
donations. For more information, to volunteer your time,
schedule an appointment, or to make a donation to Teen
Court, please contact the Juvenile Justice Specialist at
(765) 742-5046.
The Community and Family Resource Center is a not-for-
profit United Way agency. We have been providing ser-
vices to the Greater Lafayette community since 1929.
The mission of the Community and Family Resource Cen-
ter is to provide programs, services, and resources that
improve the quality of lives of children and families.
Community and Family Resource Center
330 Fountain Street
PO Box 1186
Lafayette, IN 47902-1186

Teen Court
ing manner, and they realize that they do not have to
face their problems alone. Phone: (765) 742-5046
Youth courts are becoming an integral part of the
American justice system. They are an ideal learning Fax: (765) 742-5040
lab for young people to explore the nature of restora-
tive justice. Youth courts serve the needs of youths www.cfrc.org
and our communities as a whole, and their success
ensures a healthier, stronger society. “ Youth Helping Youth today
Mabel C. McKinney-Browning
to make better choices for
Director, ABA Division for Public Education
December 2001 tomorrow.”
Fisher, Margaret C. Youth Courts: A Guide for Trainers of Student Volunteers.
Chicago: Chicago Press Corporation, 2001.
 What is Teen Court?
Teen Court is a diversion program designed for
juvenile offenders to teach them about the justice
system and the consequences of their actions
before they become a part of the traditional justice
system.
Teen Court is an actual sentencing hearing for
12-17 year olds who have already admitted guilt in
the crime they committed.
Teen Court also provides a place for teens to volun-
teer. The Student Advisory Board (STAB) is made
up of students from around the community that
volunteer their time to play roles found in the tradi-
tional court system.
How does Teen Court Work and
What are the Sentences Like?
Once referred to Teen Court, respondents meet with
CFRC’s Juvenile Justice Specialist to learn about the
rules and regulations of the program, what to ex-
pect on court night, and what the sentencing guide-
lines are for their infraction.
Sentences are usually a combination of community
service, restitution, apologies to victims, essays,
counseling, workshops, and future service as a
Teen Court juror.
Each respondent is given 90 days to complete their
sentence. Upon successful completion, respon-
dents are encouraged to volunteer and become
STAB members.
What Types of Cases are Heard in How do I volunteer for Teen
Teen Court? Court?
 Shoplifting Teen Court’s Student Advisory Board (STAB) pro-
vides volunteers with education, training, and
 Battery “hands-on” participation in the juvenile justice
 Truancy system. This experience enhances formal educa-
tion in government, promotes respect for the law
 Vandalism
and encourages volunteering in the community.
 Curfew Violation
Positions in the court room:
 Minor Consumption
Bailiff: maintains order in the courtroom, calls
 Public Intoxication
court to order, guards the jury
 Runaway
Clerk: Assists with sign-in process, calls cases,
 Traffic Violations, such as no financial
responsibility, operating without a license swears in offenders, reads Jury Findings Report
(up to 15 years old) Jury foreperson: Leads deliberations, fills out the
Jury Findings Report Form. Volunteers also serve
on juries to constructively sentence the offenders
and hold them accountable to the community for
their actions.
How Can Teen Court Affect My Defense Attorney: represents offender, presents
Future? evidence, questions witnesses**
Prosecuting attorney: Represents the state’s
position against offender, presents evidence,
Teen Court gives respondents a second chance. If
questions witnesses**
respondents in the diversion program complete
the Teen Court successfully, then at age 18 they **Requires additional training
can petition the Juvenile Justice System to erase
the incident from their record. Respondents must
remain out of the justice system until then to have
a clean record.
What is required to become a Teen
Court Volunteer?
All youth MUST:
As a parent or guardian, what is my
1. Attend scheduled training and court sessions.
role in Teen Court?
2. Honor confidentiality for all Teen Court sessions
3. Participate with other Teen Court members in
A parent or guardian plays a vital role in the success determining fair consequences for the offenders.
of their teen in Teen Court. Parents/Guardians are
4. Abide by the conduct, behavior, and dress code
expected to accompany their teen to the intake
guidelines.
meeting with the Juvenile Justice Specialist, attend
the assigned court night, and sometime participate
with their teen in parts of their sentence.