The Del Norte Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Commission identified a need to support opportunities to divert young people away from traditional criminal proceedings. Drawing upon more than 1500 national Teen Court models, the Commission has supported stakeholders in establishing the John Wilson Teen Court of Del Norte County.
Teen courts are a diversion program for first-time, nonviolent youth who are charged with an offense, and engages youth volunteers to assist their peers who have committed a delinquent act or other at-risk problem behavior, and where adult and youth volunteers collaborate to achieve the goals of restoring justice to the victims, respondents, and their community. Moreover, these young adults are learning about civic engagement and how the justice system works.
All matters appearing before Teen Court are confidential and adhere to the California State Standards for youth judicial accountability. Superior Court, Del Norte County Sheriff, Crescent City Police, District Attorney, Probation, Del Norte Unified School District, Public & Behavioral Health branches, charged with ensuring quality of juvenile matters, will remain involved with input and oversight of this project that is expected to reduce recidivism and empower young people to stay on track with their personal development and educational goals.
Over the next few weeks, more information about the John Wilson Teen Court of Del Norte will be presented to the community as we look for additional partners & community involvement. If you are a young person interested in volunteering to serve on the jury or a community partner interested in offering restorative options for young people, contact: [email protected]