II. Objectives of the Teen Court Program

TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE TO JUVENILE COURT FOR YOUTH OFFENDERS
TO PROVIDE A TIMELY RESPONSE TO INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR AND MINOR VIOLATIONS OF THE LAW
TO PROMOTE ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY TO REDUCE SUBSEQUENT INVOLVEMENT IN DELINQUENT OR UNDISCIPLINEDBEHAVIOR TO FACILITATE PEER MENTORING

III. Target Population & Program Description

Union County Teen Court operates as a community resource for the diversion of juveniles ages 6-17 pursuant to N.C. Gen. Statute 7B-1706. The adult judge/peer jury model uses restorative practices to promote accountability, responsibility and the reparation of harm.
Teen Court also operates as a resource to court services, school resource officers and local law enforcement.
Teen Court will offer youth, who are not part of the criminal justice system, a chance to participate in the decision-making process for stopping juvenile delinquency and improving the juvenile justice system.

IV. Eligibility Criteria

Serious school problems will be addressed by intervening prior to or early in juveniles' involvement with the juvenile justice system.

In 2018-2019, 61% of total DJJ complaints in Union County were school based, as opposed to the State

average of 45% for that same period. Union County's rate indicates the potential value the

Teen Court program would have in addressing school- and community-based infractions without

juvenile justice involvement. Research demonstrates that early interventions utilizing restorative practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of recidivism.