FORT WORTH TEEN COURT INC

FORT WORTH TEEN COURT, INC., founded in 1987 by the Junior League of Fort Worth, is a private/non-profit partnership, administered by the City of Fort Worth and a volunteer Board of Directors. Texas Teen Courts are a voluntary program of community service granted by a Judge. Teens 10-19 years old or enrolled in school or GED can participate in a Teen Court program anywhere in the State of Texas once every year for a citation, multiple citations if received at the same time. A teen jury will hear the defendants’ case and assess the community service hours. These hours, performed at a non-profit agency, range from no less than 8 hours to no more than 50 hours for each offense and 2 jury terms. Community Service hours and jury terms must be completed within 3 months from the Teen Court hearing. It is the responsibility of the defendant to complete the community service hours by their due date. If a defendant elects to drop out of the Teen Court Program or does not complete the Teen Court requirements within the 3 months, a show cause hearing is set for the defendant to explain to the Judge why they did not complete the program. The Judge will then determine if the defendant will have more time to complete the program or be removed from the program to pay the fine. Participation is voluntary and successful completion of the requirements will result in dismissal of the citation and removal from their record. TEEN COURT PHILOSOPHY Teen Court is a volunteer program, which assists juvenile offenders in assuming responsibility for their behavior through involvement in the judicial process and service in the community. Offenders are brought before a jury of their peers where they gain an understanding of their roles in society. Additionally, the community reciprocally benefits from these youths' involvement in their programs. Each individual's self-worth will be maintained by respectful treatment and confidentiality. TEEN COURT GOALS 1. Assist juvenile offenders in