Teen Court is a collaborative effort between Nicasa and local police departments. Teen Court offers youth an alternative to the juvenile justice system and the possibility of expunging the arrest from their record. Nicasa is the largest administrator of youth courts in Illinois and currently operates Teen Courts in the Round Lake Area/Grayslake, Lake Forest/Lake Bluff, Antioch/Lake Villa/Lindenhurst, Waukegan, Gurnee/Warren Township, Wauconda Township, and Zion/Benton.
The targeted population for Teen Court is first time offenders ages 11-17 (or 18 if they are still in school). These youth have committed non-violent offenses that include but are not limited to: curfew violation, trespassing, theft, vandalism, bullying (including cyber bullying), underage drinking and drug use. To be eligible for Teen Court, the youth must be a first-time offender, or a second time offender that has never been through Teen Court, and be referred by the arresting police department. Teen Court gives youth the opportunity for a fresh start and a clear record. It equips them with the problem-solving and decision-making skills they need to stay on the right track, helps them understand the consequences and impact their behavior on both themselves and others, and empowers them to take responsibility for their actions and their futures.
To apply to be a member of the Teen Court Jury which meets once per month at the Beach Park Village Hall, please click here.
Here’s the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15F8zFArdhaqem3z1VWIgchHm3Zvaerkk/view?usp=sharing
