MY Baltimore City Teen Court

What is MY Baltimore City Teen Court?

Teen Court is a formal diversionary program that accepts referrals from the Baltimore City Police Department, Baltimore City School Police, State's Attorney's Office and Department of Juvenile Services.

The purpose of Teen Court is to divert youth away from the traditional juvenile justice system, in an effort to minimize recidivism and positively impact young people. Teen Court is based upon the philosophy of restorative justice, in which respondents repair the harm done to the community as a result of their crime, through community service and educational/ preventative programming. When respondents successfully complete their sanctions, there is no record of the arrest which led to their involvement in Teen Court.

Youth Volunteers

Youth Volunteers serve as jurors, bailiffs, clerks and jury forepersons. With the exception of an adult judge and courtroom facilitator, youth volunteers run the hearings. Volunteers earn service learning for their time at Teen Court, and it is a fantastic opportunity for young people to hone communication and networking skills.

Adult Volunteers

Adult Volunteers preside over hearings and serve as courtroom facilitators. Their involvement is to guide, rather than direct, the hearings.

MY Teen Court serves:

Youth, between the ages of 11-17, who reside or attend school in Baltimore City, AND

Have been referred by Baltimore City Police, School Police, State's Attorney's Office or DJS
Have admitted involvement and accepted responsibility for the actions which led to the arrest
Have been charged with a misdemeanor
Have less than four prior misdemeanors on their record
Are willing to complete sanctions imposed by their peer jurors
Have a parent or guardian willing to be involved in the Teen Court process.