Teen Court

Teen Court, a juvenile diversion program, trains high school students to serve as peer jurors for youth convicted of minor crimes.  Teen Court staff and partners (such as lawyers, police officers and teachers) train the students on the juvenile justice system, civil rights and the principle of restorative justice (repairing harm caused by one's actions).  The jurors then meet with the offending youth and their families and determine appropriate sentencing or restitution to the community.  Teen Court follows up with the youth offender to ensure the sentence is completed.  Sentences are binding and may include writing letters of apology, community service (such as serving on a Teen Court jury), and paying back for merchandise stolen.

Eligibility:  Offending youth are referred by police and probation.  Jurors are typically students from schools partnering with Teen Court.  

Contact Information:  Vikki Bouck at 619-283-9624 or vikki@saysandiego.org