Support Teen Court!

About this campaign

The Conflict Resolution Center of Cabarrus County's Teen Court Program serves over 150 youth each year. For first-time youth offenders, Teen Court is a one-time opportunity for a second chance. Instead of petitioning the court and initiating a criminal record, school resource officers and law enforcement officers can refer juvenile offenders to Teen Court.

Teen Court capitalizes on the positive effects of peer pressure. Offenders face questioning by a volunteer teen attorney panel, adult judge, and are sentenced by a jury of their peers. Sanctions for the offenders always include community service, Teen Court jury duty, and supervisory time, and may include adherence to a curfew, substance abuse testing, restitution payments, victim/offender mediation, letters of apology, essays, research papers, counseling, or life skills classes. If a participant successfully completes his or her Teen Court requirements, a charge is never filed in court and a criminal record is never initiated.

By having youth experience the consequences of their poor choices while insulating them from the negative impact of a criminal record, youth can repair the harm they caused and reconnect with their community. They can pursue their educational and employment opportunities without the stain of a criminal record.