Douglas and Coffee County have formed a teen court to help deter teens with minor offenses from committing more damaging offenses and have a second chance to better themselves while participating in a Teen Court program. Youth volunteers are crucial to the success of a teen court program. Youth volunteers help fill some of the duties related to the Teen Court process.
“I cannot stress how important it is to have youth volunteers involved in the Teen Court,” says Wynetta Bolder, Douglas City Clerk. “There are no pre-requisites to be a youth volunteer with Teen Court. We need willing, mature juveniles between the ages of 13-19 who are dedicated to making a difference in our community. This is a prime opportunity for any youth who are considering careers in the judicial system, counseling, or law enforcement, to get involved and see if those careers are the direction they wish to pursue.”
Youth volunteers must be in grades 6th -12th, abide by rules of the program, sign and respect the Oath of Office Confidentiality, demonstrate maturity, sensitivity and responsibility, and become a Teen Attorney (must be in 11th or 12th grade), Court Clerk, Bailiff, or Juror. Volunteers will be asked to come to court when summoned, conduct themselves in an appropriate manner in school and in court, keep all Teen Court business confidential, attend all mandatory training sessions, and participate to the best of your abilities.
Douglas-Coffee County’s Teen Court is a juvenile diversion program for first-time offenders who have committed misdemeanor offenses and who recognize the error of their ways and desire a second chance. Those who are accepted and successfully complete the 90-day program, will not be an adjudicated delinquent. The goal of Teen Court is to intervene and
reduce the incidences and escalations of law-breaking behaviors.
Volunteer applications are being accepted until September 1, 2018. For more information or to volunteer with Douglas-Coffee County’s Teen Court, please contact City Clerk, Wynetta Bolder at 912-389-3405 or wbolder@cityofdouglas.com