Teen Accountability Court

Through volunteer high school students who participate as a “Peer Jury” and “Court Bailiff” with a pro bono Judge presiding over Accountability Hearings, Teen Accountability Court is helping first-time offending youth gain valuable understanding of their wrong-doing and working with the youth and families to prevent repeat offense as well as offering high school teens a chance to volunteer and learn about the justice system by participating in a peer jury. Teen Accountability Court also works with local school districts to reduce suspensions and expulsions. The recidivism rate for an offender going through Teen Accountability Court is 10% compared to formal adjudication is nearly 90%. A teen opting for Teen Accountability Court does not receive a formal court record. Through formal adjudication the teen often receives a record.

Referrals to Teen Accountability Court can come from the courts, schools and individuals.