What is MY Baltimore City Teen Court?

Teen Court is a formal diversionary program that accepts referrals from the Baltimore City Police Department, Baltimore City School Police, State's Attorney's Office and Department of Juvenile Services, among other others.

The purpose of Teen Court is to divert youth away from the traditional juvenile justice system, in an effort to minimize recidivism and positively impact young people. Teen Court is based upon the philosophy of restorative justice, in which respondents repair the harm done to the community as a result of their crime, through community service and educational programming. When respondents successfully complete their sanctions, there is no record of the arrest which led to their involvement in Teen Court.

Youth Volunteers

​Youth Volunteers, between the ages of 11-17, serve as jurors and jury forepersons. With the exception of an adult judge and courtroom facilitator, youth volunteers run the hearings. Volunteers earn service learning for their time at Teen Court, and it is a fantastic opportunity for young people to hone communication and networking skills.

Adult Volunteers

Adult Volunteers preside over hearings and serve as courtroom facilitators. Their involvement is to guide, rather than direct, the hearings. Adult volunteers are usually judges, magistrates, attorneys, and law school students.

Youth Respondents

Youth Respondents, are usually between the ages of 11-17, and typically reside or attend school in Baltimore City, AND

• Have been referred by Baltimore City Police, School Police, State's Attorney's Office or DJS

• Have admitted involvement and accepted responsibility for the actions which led to the arrest

• Have been charged with a misdemeanor

• Have less than four prior misdemeanors on their record

• Are willing to complete sanctions imposed by their peer jurors

• Have a parent or guardian willing to be involved in the Teen Court process.

Teen Court Success & Recidivism

Our most successful stories involve youth who join us as respondents and transition to volunteers, as they understand the process better than anyone.

Our one-year average recidivism rate of 12% continues to be a fraction of the city’s 44% juvenile recidivism rate.