Teen Court: Restorative Justice for Youth by Youth
A program of the YWCA Southern Arizona, Pima County Teen Court is a peer-led juvenile court diversion program that uses the principles of restorative justice, service learning, and positive youth development to prevent juvenile crime recidivism. Teen Court accepts referrals from Pima County Juvenile Court for youth ages 12-17 who were arrested for crimes approved for diversion by the court. Youth enter Teen Court by participating in a hearing where they:
- account for the behavior that led up to their arrest,
- receive feedback from teens in the community on how to repair the harm they caused, and
- are sentenced by a peer jury to complete a set of constructive consequences that are designed to impart consequences for their crimes, address the harm caused, restore relationships, and increase participants’ knowledge and skills.
Youth Facilitator Training starts February 3rd. Register here.
Click above to watch a video of the Teen Court hearing process.
Why Teen Court Works
Teen Court works because teens are judging other teens. Just as peer pressure can be negative, with Teen Court positive peer pressure and parental involvement are key to the program's success!
Because Teen Court is a diversion program, upon successful completion, the defendant will not receive a conviction on their record.
Because Teen Court is a diversion program, upon successful completion, the defendant will not receive a conviction on their record.
Mission Statement:
Pima County Teen Court’s mission is to positively engage youth through restorative justice, law-related education, and positive peer influence to reduce juvenile crime.
