Douglas and Coffee County has 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.
“There are no pre-requisites to be a youth volunteer with Teen Court,” says Wynetta Bolder, Douglas City Clerk. “We need willing, mature juveniles between the ages of 13 – 19 and in grades 6-12, 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, to 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 their ability.
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.
