A Historical Perspective
The research, development, and implementation of teen courts in Florida
In 1986, representatives of the League of Women Voters approached the Junior League of Sarasota with concerns about the rising level of juvenile delinquency in the Sarasota community. The Junior League took action and researched alternative programs for dealing with juvenile delinquency throughout the United States. A peer court system operating in Texas impressed the Junior League, prompting them to send three representatives there to understand this unique program. Deborah Dye, committee chair for the Junior League's project development, Judge Paul E. Logan, 12th judicial circuit judge, and Fay P. Rice, Deputy Court Administrator, 12th judicial circuit, visited the Odessa, Texas Teen Court program. Upon returning to Florida they held a community symposium to discuss implementation of the program in Sarasota County. Their goal was to hold juveniles who commit misdemeanor crimes accountable at the earliest possible juncture. Additionally, they sought a program that could provide participants the motivational benefits of expedient case management through direct law enforcement referrals, an understanding of legal processes at an early stage of intervention, and opportunities for involvement with their peers and issues that they confront. The result is the Teen Court of Sarasota, Inc., a non-profit organization that first received cases in December 1988. By October 1998 the program expanded to receive cases from many sources in the county: all city police agencies and county sheriffs, traffic court, juvenile court, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Juvenile Assessment Center, and high school administrators. In 1998, Sarasota's Teen Court received nearly 450 cases.
The format for Teen Court development was based on several concerns and observations:
Most juvenile court systems are in need of creative ideas to deal with juvenile crime problems. Minor crimes are handled in a lackadaisical manner and often are not filed on by the "system" because of overcrowded juvenile court systems. This sends the message to delinquent juveniles that they will receive no consequences for their actions. Teens are interested in participating in their own court system and wish to become active participants in their community rather than passive recipients of services. There is a critical need in all communities for productive activities for youth. Law enforcement officers need an expedient way to resolve minor delinquency charges. First time offenders are generally responsive to positive peer pressure.
The financial support for the countywide program developed as Sarasota's teen court program proved its effectiveness to the community it serves.
The Junior League of Sarasota, Inc. conducted the initial research and development. Sarasota County initially donated two offices and now provides an office suite for the program, as well as funding for one full-time and six part-time staff members. The county also furnishes the telephone lines. Local businessmen contributed furniture for the office. Sarasota County awarded a Social Service grant in the amount of $36,000 to continue Teen Court's operation as a non-profit agency. This amount covers the primary operating expenses of the program, including salary and benefits for the Executive Director. Teen Court did not renew this grant in 1998 due to the legislation that provides sufficient revenue, along with various other incomes, to fund the program. All other revenues come from private contributions, community grants, and fund-raising events. The Sarasota County Bar Association assists with organizing an annual gold tournament and a local insurance company, FCCI Mutual Insurance Group, underwrites the tournament expenses.
Private grants provide funds for the counseling components required of all defendants, a scholarship program for exception contribution by student volunteers, and other miscellaneous expenses. Some programs assess a client fee to the defendants ranging from $10 - $50. The Florida Legislature adopted a law that provides a $3 fee to be assessed on criminal and civil traffic violations that provides funds for Teen Courts throughout Florida. This is provided by a local ordinance adopted in any community with a teen court and statutorily states that funds are for the operation of a teen court.
Due to the growing interest in the peer jury concept that began in Sarasota County and rapidly expanded in other counties, representatives from the state's teen court programs founded the Florida Association of Teen Courts, Inc. in 1997.