From Harford County Government:
The Harford County Teen Court program is scheduled to resume on Thursday, September 11, 2014. Court sessions take place on the second Thursday of each month, during the school year. New volunteers should arrive at 4:00 p.m. for a brief orientation. Teen Court hearings take place at the Bel Air District Courthouse, 2 South Bond Street. Parking is available in the lot after 4:30 p.m. and hearings are not open to the public.
Teen Court began in the spring of 2011 as a diversion program that provides first time, non-violent youth offenders with a second chance. The Teen Court program follows a restorative justice model in which it is determined what is best for the respondent, the victim, and the community. Offenders agree to participate in the Teen Court program, and if successful, avoid becoming involved in the juvenile justice system. Teen Court is a partnership with the Harford County Department of Community Services Local Management Board, Office of Drug Control Policy, Department of Juvenile Services, State’s Attorney Office, Sheriff’s Office, and Harford County Public Schools.
Harford County District Court Judge Susan Hazlett presides over the court. The jury is comprised of high school students in the county. For the teen jurors, this is a volunteer experience and a chance to see firsthand how the criminal justice system works. The jury determines the fate of the offending youth, such as writing an apology letter, performing community service hours, attending educational programs or serving on the teen jury in the future.
To learn more about volunteering to serve as a jury member or court clerk for Teen Court, please contact the Office of Drug Control Policy at 410-638-3333 or email teencourt@harfordcountymd.gov.
This is a good program and a nice return on our taxpayers monies.