Teen Court's History

Florida's first Teen Court was implemented in 1988 in Sarasota County. The program, a public/private partnership, serves as a community based alternative to the traditional juvenile court system and works in conjunction with the offices of the State Attorney, Court Administrator, School Board, Department of Juvenile Justice, and law enforcement agencies. The volunteer contributions made by local judges, attorneys and teens provide a cost effective early intervention program that saves our community thousands of dollars annually.

Sources of funding include an annual golf tournament and grants received over the years from the Florida Winefest and Auction, Inc., the Junior League of Sarasota, Inc., the Plantation Community Foundation, Sarasota County Grant-In-Aid Program, the United Way of Sarasota, Inc., The Venice Foundation, the Dallas and Elizabeth Dort Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation. These combined funds support Teen Court, Peer Circle Counseling, Camp X-R.A.Y.D., and a scholarship program.

Links to related organizations:
    National Association of Youth Courts, Inc.
    Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice
    FCCI Insurance
    Junior League of Sarasota