October 9, 2014

Teen Court

Hey everybody! Teen Court is a program that gives kids and teens a second chance and helps them stay out of the system. I have the privileged to be involved.Teen Court is provided by GSMYC and is the program that offers teen offenders an opportunity to  make restitution for their offenses through community service hours, jury duty and curfews, thus  avoiding large fines and keeping the offense off their record.
The restitution is set by a jury comprised of their peers that is conducted in a formal courtroom with  each other serving as judges and attorneys. Participation is voluntary and defendants may choose  at any time to return to the referring court.
Referrals of first time offenders are made by Hays County law enforcement agencies, judges, and  the Hays County Juvenile Probation Department.
Youth ages 10-17 are eligible and parents or legal guardians must be present during intake and the  initial trial session.
Teen Court also serves as a preventative effort to keep youth from re-offending. Check and see if there are any in your area!!!

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