DIVERSION PROGRAMS

TEEN COURT: Teen Court is a restorative justice diversion program for first-time juvenile offenders who admit to minor offenses, allowing them to be held accountable without receiving a permanent criminal record. Instead of appearing before a traditional judge, participants are tried and sentenced by a jury of their peers, promoting responsibility, civic engagement, and reduced recidivism. In Washington County, Teen Court is coordinated by Scott Gage and handles diverted delinquency and truancy cases referred by Juvenile Court officers. Student volunteers serve as attorneys and court officers, while jurors are youth who have previously completed the program themselves. Although community law students, lawyers, and other professionals may serve as judges during trials, the peer jury determines binding sentences that participants are required to complete.