The Teen Courts of Santa Rosa and Okaloosa Counties were both established in 1998 by a partnership grant from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) with the Juvenile Justice Councils and Sheriff’s Offices of both counties, the State Attorney Office, the Florida Judiciary, and numerous adult and professional volunteers.  Since 2000, when DJJ funding ended, both teen court programs have been supported through county ordinances and promoted by County Commissioners.  Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) provides fiscal, administrative and operational services for the program.

According to the Teen Court Manual, the stated purpose of the program is to reduce recidivism of first time youth offenders, reduce the cases appearing in Juvenile Court, promote youth and adult volunteerism, and increase in youth their knowledge of the judicial system and of career opportunities there.

OPPORTUNITY FOR FIRST TIME YOUTH OFFENDERS

The Teen Court program offers an opportunity for first time youth offenders between the ages of 10 and 17 to appear before a jury of their peers for sentencing and sanctions.  Youth volunteers fill the roles of prosecuting and defense attorneys, bailiffs, clerks and jury members under the supervision of local attorneys and other adult volunteers.  Offenses in Teen Court are limited to misdemeanors, traffic violations or school infractions that could lead to a misdemeanor charge, and offenders must admit guilt before coming to Teen Court.  Case referrals to the Teen Court come from the State Attorney's Office, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, the school system, traffic court, law enforcement or county Clerk of Court.

Typical sanctions assigned by the Teen Court to a youth offender include jury duty, community service, letters of apology, essays, law related packets, random drug testing, jail tours, no association with co-defendants, open court apology, mandatory school attendance, refrain from alcohol tobacco and other drugs, and appropriate counseling (family, individual, drug, alcohol).

CAREER EXPLORATION

In addition, the program provides youth volunteers with opportunities for career exploration as they learn about the court systems through hands on experience through their service as jurors, attorneys, bailiffs, and clerks.

The Teen Courts in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa Counties are two of 51 such programs run throughout the state of Florida.