Teen Court Program Requirements

of the National Teen Courts of America

Refer to Handbook for Complete Details

The following minimum conditions for operation for proper operation are recommended:

Teen Volunteers to operate as Judge, jury, bailiffs, clerks, prosecuting and defense attorneys, and co-counsel for each attorney. A minimum of 30-50 students should be involved. (Eight to ten should be juniors or seniors in high school)

Adult volunteers should consist of a minimum of 5 adults to serve as Court Masters, intake Personnel, and other positions.

NON-SMOKING (*Donated) Space requirements should include at least

1) a court room or one room big enough to be set up as a court room (preferably 2 courtrooms or more)

2) a jury room (preferably 2 jury rooms or more)

3) a confernce room big enough for at least 15 people

4) one room for special private problems

5) a waiting area for parents and teen defendants

6) a room that can be used as a snack room

7) his and hers bathrooms

*Donated space is available in facilities that do not use them at the times that teen court programs operate - preferably Saturday mornings.

$2000 Minimum Monetary considerations:

Teen Volunteers should be "members" with dues of $30 per year

Adult members will pay $40 per year.

Supporting business community members should be included at a minimum of $50.

See membership application for complete membership breakdown

(Referring cases will be required to pay $50 to go through program instead of relying on taxpayers to pay for their acts and which will provide on going revenues for expenses.)

Thirty (30) teenagers will provide an initial startup fund of $900

(50 teen members would provide $1500)

The five (5) minimum adults required will provide $200.

At least twenty (20) ($50) business members should provide $1000.

The minimum membership requirement above will provide an initial start up of $2000.00.

The National Teen Courts of America Home Page

Email: National Teen Courts of America