Just because a young person or teen has been arrested or had a run in with the law does not mean they cannot start over! Teens and young adults are still in the process of reaching full brain development, and their ability to make good choices can be more difficult than it seems. Teen Court is just one of the ways LSF can help youth, teens, and their families get back on track. Teen Court can be a second chance for struggling youth by offering alternatives to juvenile detention.  

What is Teen Court exactly? 

Youth volunteers fill the roles of prosecutors, defense attorneys, bailiffs, clerks, and jury members under local attorneys and other adult volunteers’ supervision. 

Case referrals to Teen Court come from the State Attorney’s Office, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, the school system, traffic court, law enforcement or the county Clerk of Court. 

Learn more about volunteer opportunities, career exploration and training for youth.

Which youth qualify for this program? 

• Youth and teens between the ages of 10 and 17  
• Youth and teens with a first-time offense 
• Youth and teens who have not yet appeared in court for sentencing and sanctions 
• Youth and teens who have only been charged with misdemeanor charges, traffic violations or school infractions that could lead to misdemeanor charges 
• Teen and youth offenders who have admitted guilt before coming to teen court 

CAREER EXPLORATION AND TRAINING 

In Teen Court peers, young teens play the roles of prosecutors, defense attorneys, bailiffs, clerks, and jury members under local attorneys and other adult volunteers’ supervision. This program provides youth volunteers with the opportunity to experience different careers in the courts and within the criminal justice system. 

LSF runs two locations of the 51 programs throughout the state of Florida. Search for the location nearest you.