05-28-1997 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Teen Court Program Summary Project Summary The Teen Court Program that the Roseville, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, and Little Canada, Mayors' Commission Against Drugs proposes is a community based prevention/intervention initiative. Offender consequences are determined by peers. the community will develop consequences that incorporate and promote restorative justice principles, developmental assets, and intergenerational opportunities. The program is designed to provide a low cost, alternative response to the juvenile justice system for first time, non - violent juvenile offenders. The program holds youth offenders accountable and it provides an educational opportunity to both offenders and youth volunteers. It is a tool used to try to promote long -term behavior change and a shift in community social norms and standards that lead to enhanced public safety. POPULATION SERVED Six target populations are being served in this proposal. target populations include the entire community, entire youth population, teen court volunteers, parents, youth offenders and victims. Community Teen court is a creative way to help people who live and work in the community feel safer and more secure within the community. For example. • Parents want safe environments in which to raise families. • Businesses want to keep the area around their stores and offices safe and secure so customers will not be driven away. • Schools are concerned about the education of young people, retention of students, their tax base, and the safety of schools. • City officials are concerned about the livability of their community for all generations, safety of the residents and the police force, home values, and the tax base. Teen court is a concrete way to involve all generations in the community and to help develop a sense of neighborhood and community. The teen court program helps demonstrate the commitment of the entire community in helping raise healthy young people and helping building a healthier and safer community for all generations. Entire Community Teen Population The entire youth population is the second target population. Teen Court will help youth take ownership and responsibility in the health and safety of their community. A positive outcome would be to increase the number of healthy decisions young people are making. Teen Court is a tool to help influence social norms that engage every young person in an informal social contract with the community. It helps make them key stakeholders in the well -being and safety of the community. Page 174