Teen Court History
Pima County Teen Court is a program of the YWCA Southern Arizona. It began in January 1995 has conducted over 8,000 cases.
Teen Court Works!!
Teen Court sponsors Teen Court in the Schools, which offers an alternative disciplinary option to middle and high schools in Pima County.
Teen Court Works!!
- 93% of parents and 90% of teens believed their participation in Teen Court will help the teen avoid future criminal behavior.
- 86% of parents and 83% of teens believe their participation in Teen Court will improve family communication.
- 84% of parents and 83% of teens improved their knowledge of juvenile law.
Teen Court sponsors Teen Court in the Schools, which offers an alternative disciplinary option to middle and high schools in Pima County.
Constructive Consequences
Teen Court uses restorative justice principles and evidence-based strategies in designing constructive consequences that meet one of the following criteria:
Each sentence includes a mandatory Basic Training Workshop, which discusses on juvenile law, the arrest process, and family communication. Letters of apology are also assigned, and defendants are to return to serve on the jury for minors referred to the program in the future.
Other workshops discuss substance abuse, shoplifting, goal setting, and anger management issues. Meditations are offered to resolve family disagreements and issues at home, as well as conflicts between peers.
- Help the defendant understand why their behavior was wrong,
- Repair the harm caused by the defendant,
- Help the defendant make better choices in the future.
Each sentence includes a mandatory Basic Training Workshop, which discusses on juvenile law, the arrest process, and family communication. Letters of apology are also assigned, and defendants are to return to serve on the jury for minors referred to the program in the future.
Other workshops discuss substance abuse, shoplifting, goal setting, and anger management issues. Meditations are offered to resolve family disagreements and issues at home, as well as conflicts between peers.
Appropriate Cases for Teen Court Referral
Teen Court accepts 1st, 2nd and 3rd offense misdemeanor referrals. The most common offenses referred are:
Any teen between the ages of 12-17 who is eligible for diversion may be referred to Teen Court. Each teen must admit guilt to the offense for which they have been charged and be willing to complete the sentence assigned by the jury.
- Assault or Disorderly Conduct
- Domestic Violence
- Shoplifting or Theft
- Reckless Driving, including Drag Racing
- Criminal Trespass or Damage
- Interfering with the Peace at School
- False Reporting to an Officer
- Minor in Possession/Consumption of Alcohol, Marijuana, or other Dangerous Drugs
- Possession of a Weapon
- Felony offenses (if approved by CA Office)
Any teen between the ages of 12-17 who is eligible for diversion may be referred to Teen Court. Each teen must admit guilt to the offense for which they have been charged and be willing to complete the sentence assigned by the jury.
Parent/Caregiver Involvement
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Teen Court can only work with the participation of the teen's adult. Parent/caregivers are required to attend the initial Teen Court hearing (3 hours), Basic Training Workshop (4 hours), and a Wrap-Up Appointment at the completion of their child's sentence (30 minutes).
If the teen is assigned the Substance Abuse Prevention Workshop (3 hours), their adult is required to attend. |
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Wellness Screening
Each participant undergoes a Wellness Screening to determine if there are any mental health or substance use needs. If appropriate, a referral is made to counseling and/or treatment.
What Happens after a Referral is Made?
Once the teen and their family have decided that Teen Court is the best option, paperwork is forwarded from juvenile court to the Teen Court staff, and the family is contacted within two business days of receipt. The teenis then scheduled for the next available Teen Court date.
On the date of the hearing, each teen will explain the reasons why they committed the offense. At this time, their adult will also be given the opportunity to make a statement to the court on their teen's behalf. Then a jury of teens will deliberate and decide a constructive consequence based on the defendant's testimony in court.
After the hearing, the family will meet with an exit interviewer who schedules the dates for the workshops assigned by the jury. At this time, the prospective completion date is also scheduled. This date is typically 30 days after the initial hearing. The teen's probation officer is contacted and given a copy of the teen's contract with Teen Court. This includes their assigned sentence and the date on which the teen should complete their sentence.
There is no cost to participate in Teen Court. All services are covered by generous grants and donations from our community.
On the date of the hearing, each teen will explain the reasons why they committed the offense. At this time, their adult will also be given the opportunity to make a statement to the court on their teen's behalf. Then a jury of teens will deliberate and decide a constructive consequence based on the defendant's testimony in court.
After the hearing, the family will meet with an exit interviewer who schedules the dates for the workshops assigned by the jury. At this time, the prospective completion date is also scheduled. This date is typically 30 days after the initial hearing. The teen's probation officer is contacted and given a copy of the teen's contract with Teen Court. This includes their assigned sentence and the date on which the teen should complete their sentence.
There is no cost to participate in Teen Court. All services are covered by generous grants and donations from our community.
