Teen Court provides non-violent youth respondents a second chance through a restorative justice program that diverts cases from the traditional juvenile justice system. Restorative justice aims to rehabilitate respondents through a healing process that holds them accountable and allows for reconciliation with the broader community. Youth are tried by a jury of their peers who determine a verdict that will allow the respondent to learn from their choices and repair the harm imposed on the victim and their community. Even better news is that diversion programs like Teen Court dramatically decrease the chances that a youth will reoffend.
We ask all participants and volunteers to arrive by 5:30 p.m.
Court proceedings begin promptly at 6:00 p.m.
For volunteers, parents should return to pick up their youth by 7:30 p.m.
**Please note, cases are scheduled in advance. Please call the office if you need to schedule your hearing. Cases not on the schedule will not be heard.
Reach For Youth
3505 N. Washington Blvd
Indianapolis, IN 46205
Dickinson Juvenile Justice Center
1121 Hospital Rd,
Franklin, IN 46131
Youth that have been arrested, committed a school violation or engaged in a high-risk behavior can have their case heard by a jury of their peers. Each case brings complete jury-assigned consequences that promote restorative justice and allows youth to learn from their mistakes.
Youth Volunteers (ages 13-21) are trained to be attorneys, jurors, bailiffs, and forepersons in the cases of youth who have committed real offenses. Our hearings are conducted weekly with the supervision of Teen Court staff. Local Indiana Attorneys can volunteer and become trained as judges to preside over court sessions..Teen Court is an innovative program offering an alternative to the traditional Juvenile Justice penalties for young, first-time offenders. It works due to great young people who volunteer their time and care. It is an excellent way for young people to get involved in the community, learn about the law, and develop leadership skills.
We are currently looking for interested Youth Juror & Youth Attorney volunteers.
We are always accepting new judges as well!
Requirements: Must have passed the bar.
If you’re interested in volunteering for teen court, contact us at chrisp@reachforyouth.org and download the volunteer application to learn more!
Volunteering will allow you a hands-on approach in learning the justice system as well as becoming actively involved in restorative justice practices. This will enhance your leadership, critical thinking, public speaking, collaboration, and many other skills. If law is your passion, Teen Court is also an excellent way to meet and network with local adult attorneys. In a career-building sense, Teen Court is a great addition to your resume and provides ample opportunity to receive references and recommendation letters from Teen Court staff as a product of your outstanding work.
Youth (offenders) may be referred to Teen Court by local juvenile probation departments, middle and high schools, police officers, other agencies and by the individual offenders themselves.
In order to be eligible for Teen Court the following conditions must be met: