The Teen Court Program
2016 NACo Achievement Award Winner
Santa Fe County, N.M., NM
Best In Category
About the Program
Category: Human Services (Best in Category)
Year: 2016
Teen Court is a nationally recognized early intervention and restorative justice program for juveniles (ages 12 â 17), giving the offender a second chance while holding them accountable for their actions. Teen court programs serve as a community-based intervention/diversion program designed to provide an alternative response for the juvenile justice system. The teen accepts responsibility for their offense, appears before a judge and their peers, and is sentenced. The goal of the teen court program is to interrupt developing patterns of criminal behavior by promoting feelings of self-esteem, motivation for self-improvement and a healthy attitude toward authority.