Speaking to Teens at “Teen Court”

I had the honor of being asked to speak to the teens at Teen Court last Tuesday.  For those that are not aware Teen Court allows first-time offenders between the ages of 12 and 17 who have committed misdemeanor or felony offenses the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions.  Sanctions are imposed by “teen juries”, former offenders, who are in the program.  The sanctions imposed include community services and jury duty, remedial classes, and essays. Additional sanctions may also include restitution, apology, curfew, anger management classes, no association with codefendants, random drug/alcohol screenings and random substance abuse evaluations. Teens must also attend school regularly and obey rules both in school and at home. All sanctions given must be completed within 3 months.  Some of the types of cases heard in Teen Court include vandalism; drug or alcohol possession, trespassing, interfering with school functions, driving with no or suspended license, burglary, and battery.

Since many of the teens are students with learning challenges, I wanted to share with them my own learning challenges and some of the strategies I have used to help me along life’s path.  I began by telling about my work experience in both real estate and construction prior to becoming a School Board Member.  I wanted to share with them some of the details regarding my career path, so they could then understand some of the challenges that had to be dealt with during that time.   I then shared with them what was required while serving as a School Board Member and what School Boards actually do in support of the Educational Systems in Citrus County.  Next on my agenda, I took a sharp turn to explain that none of that might be greatly impressive to them, but might be more interesting if they knew I did it while being a severe dyslexic.  (Click here to read “Talk to Teen Court” – October 4^th, 2011)

I was given the opportunity to stay afterwards for the court proceedings.  The Teen Court Judge that evening was a very impressive current State’s Attorney Prosecutor.  The “Prosecuting Attorney” and the “Defendant’s Attorney” are Student Volunteers.  While I would love to be able to share with you the details of the cases and the opportunity I was given to go back and be a standby while the jury deliberated, legally I can’t.  The reason is because we all took an important “Confidentiality Oath‎”.

I was captivated with the Teen Court system, Court Officers, Volunteers, and the Teen Court Coordinator – Anita Morris.   Most especially I was impressed by the “Teens”, themselves.

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