Interested in starting teen court in your area?????

There are many factors, that contribute to starting and maintaining a successful teen court program. 

First of all, you need to know the LAW...........

The Legislature wrote the Teen Court Concept into both the Criminal and Family Codes in the 1980's.

Code of Criminal Procedure - Article 45.55

Family Code - Section 54.032

In order to obtain the support and official permission to have a Teen Court program, it is important to get sponsorship through a Municipal Court or a Justice of the Peace.  These are generally the official bodies from which cases are referred and dismissals granted upon completion of the Teen Court "sentences."  In addition, school systems, county courts, and other referral sources may be invovled, so they should be considered and have input as plans evolve.

To prepare for a successful presentation to any or all of the entities whose approval and cooperation is needed, the person(s) interested in starting the program should contact one or more existing Teen Court programs, either in close proximity or in a community of similar size, to obtain a packet of basic information.  After becoming familiar with it, the time is right for visiting an actual Teen Court to see the practical application and ascertain answers to possible questions from those who will be asked to sponsor and/or approve the proposed program.

Visit the Teen Court Association of Texas at http://www.texasteencourt.com .

This site is the official site for texas teen court programs and also provide all of the literature about starting a teen court as well as the legal aspect behind it all. It also explains the monetary figures that are allowed for teen court, and most importantly how to get funding for the project.