Description: Unpaid
Teen Court is a peer-led juvenile court diversion program that uses the principles of restorative justice, service learning, and positive youth development to prevent juvenile crime recidivism. Teen Court accepts referrals from Pima County Juvenile Court for youth ages 12-17 who were arrested for crimes approved for diversion by the court. Youth enter Teen Court by participating in a hearing where they:
- Account for the behavior that led up to their arrest
- Receive feedback from teens in the community on how to repair the harm they caused
- Are sentenced by a peer jury to complete a set of constructive consequences that are designed to impart consequences for their crimes, address the harm caused, restore relationships, and increase participants’ knowledge and skills.
The unique aspect of Teen Court is that trained youth volunteers serve as attorneys, bailiffs, clerks, and jurors. Positive peer influence and parental involvement drive the program.
Interns typical serve as Exit Interviewers or Jury Monitors. They also observe Teen Court workshops.
Exit Interviewers meet with Teen Court defendants and their families after the defendant has their hearing to:
- answer questions about Teen Court and what will happen next,
- sign the youth up for workshops that have been assigned by the jury, and
- encourage the defendant.
Exit Interviewers must be detail-oriented, patient, and motivating.
Jury Monitors observe jury deliberations to insure:
- all jurors participate,
- no mandatory consequences are overlooked,
- every juror agrees on the consequence, and
- the jury has a sound and reasonable justification for the sentence they assign.
Internship Available
- Summer
- Fall
- Spring
Deadlines
At least 2 weeks before the enrollment term.
Purpose of Internship
Interns will learn:
- How Teen Court works within the juvenile justice system
- The purpose of diversion programs
- Tips and tools for interacting with at-risk youth and families
- Evidence-based practices for increasing protective factors and reducing risk factors with court-involved youth
Agency Qualifications (minimum)
21+ years old, available on Saturdays from approx. 8am-1pm, believe in and respect youth and their opinions
Agency Qualifications (preferred)
Spanish-speaking
How to Apply
Review the . Make sure court dates work with your scheduled. Contact Kate Spaulding, manager, via email or (520)991-5666 to arrange a date to observe Teen Court.
Contact
Pima County Teen Court
Kate Spaulding (Manager): kspaulding@ywcatucson.org
University of Arizona
Laureana Jones (Internship Coordinator): laureanajones@arizona.edu
Website