From Harford County Government:
(Bel Air, MD) – The Harford County Department of Community Services Local Management Board has awarded $12,000 to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office to conduct a Teen Court.
Teen Court, piloted in the spring of 2011, provides first time, non-violent youth offenders with a second chance. Offenders agree to participate in the Teen Court program, and if successful, avoid becoming involved in the juvenile justice system.
Harford County District Court Judge Susan Hazlett presides over the court with a jury comprised of teens from throughout the county. For teen jurors, this is a volunteer experience and a chance to see firsthand how the criminal justice system works. With the help of adult volunteers, the jury develops a ruling for the offending youth, such as writing an apology letter, performing community service hours or serving on the teen jury in the future.
Youth interested in serving as a volunteer juror or as a court clerk should contact the Office of Drug Control Policy at 410-638-3333 or teencourt@harfordcountymd.gov.
The Harford County Teen Court has been developed in partnership with the Department of Juvenile Services, State’s Attorney Office, Sheriff’s Office, Public Schools, and the Office of Drug Control Policy. The program follows a restorative justice model which determines what is best for the respondent, the victim, and the community at large.
The Local Management Board brings together child serving agencies to organize and ensure services and support are available to help families raise healthy, successful children through young adulthood. Teen Court is made possible through Early Intervention and Prevention funding awarded by the Governor’s Office for Children. For more information on the Local Management Board, please contact 410-638-3166.
For more information on the Harford County Teen Court, please contact the Department of Community Services Office of Drug Control Policy at 410-638-3333.
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