For many young people, one mistake can feel like it defines everything that comes next. However, it doesn’t have to. Nicasa’s Teen Court Program offers youth a meaningful second chance. One rooted in accountability, learning, and community engagement rather than punishment.

Nicasa’s Teen Court program is a balanced and restorative justice model designed for young people (ages 10-17, 18 if they are still in high school) who have committed a minor first- and second-time, non-violent offense. By shifting the focus from traditional juvenile court to a peer-led, educational process, the program helps youth take responsibility, repair harm, and move forward without the weight of a permanent record of misconduct.

What Is Teen Court?

Teen Court is a diversion alternative for youth who admit involvement in an offense and are referred by participating police departments. Instead of going through the traditional juvenile justice system, they appear before a jury of their peers.

Eligible cases typically include misdemeanors such as:

• Theft
• Curfew violations
• Trespassing
• Possession of drugs or alcohol
• Vaping
• Cyberbullying
• Battery

Who Can Participate?

Nicasa’s Teen Court Program is designed with clear eligibility guidelines to ensure safety, fairness, and consistency. Participants must:

• Be between 10 and 17 years old, 18 if they are still in high school
• Admit to their offense
• Have no gang affiliations
• Be referred by a collaborating police department
• Commit to completing their assigned requirements
• Pay the $75 fee for participation in the program

How the Teen Court Process Works

Nicasa’s Teen Court program brings together youth offenders, teen volunteers, community partners, and trained coordinators to create an experience that is educational and supportive.

1. Peer-Jury Model. A group of volunteer teen jurors hears each case. These jurors ask questions, discuss the incident with guidance from trained staff, and collaboratively determine meaningful and restorative consequences.

2. Restorative Sentencing. Rather than fines or a lasting record, sentencing focuses on personal growth and community accountability. Requirements may include:

• Community service hours
• Educational classes (such as TRACK: Taking Responsibilities and Accepting Choices through Knowledge)
• Apology letters
• Self-love journal prompts
• Development of pro-social skills and repairing relationships
• Reflection essays
• Service as a Teen Court juror

3. A Pathway Toward Closure. Once all requirements are completed, the case is closed. The youth avoids a juvenile record and walks away with both accountability and a genuine opportunity for a fresh start.

Why Teen Court Matters: For Youth and the Community

Teen Court succeeds because it blends accountability with compassion. Youth learn real-world lessons about consequences and empathy, while volunteer jurors gain leadership skills and insight into the justice process. Communities benefit from a reduction in re-offense and increased engagement from local youth who want to serve their peers.

But perhaps most importantly, Teen Court helps prevent a single mistake from limiting a young person’s future.

Inside the Giving Tuesday Match: How Community Support Strengthens Teen Court

Between November 25 and December 16, donations to Nicasa were matched by the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County, up to $5,000, doubling the impact of every gift.

While the match period has ended, its effects continue into the year ahead, helping Nicasa:

• Sustain Teen Court operations
• Expand outreach to police partners
• Support training for volunteer peer jurors
• Strengthen restorative programming

Provide additional educational classes and resources

We are honored that we DOUBLED our #GivingTuesday goal and raised $40,060 for Teen Court. We will be hosting our SEAs the Day challenge, where Bruce Johnson, CEO, and Viviana Arzate, Teen Court Coordinator, will go net-to-net to see who can catch 40 “fish” first. Sign up for Nicasa’s newsletter to stay informed on when the contest will be happening and to watch the video recap.

Learn More or Get Involved

Teen Court is not just a program. It’s a community-driven commitment to growth, accountability, and opportunity.

If you’d like to learn more, refer a youth, volunteer, or support the program, visit Nicasa.org/Teen-Court.