Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
Report on the Teen Court Pre <br /> P 21 <br /> Buncombe County. As discussed previously, the Buncombe County Teen Court <br /> program operated prior to AOC grant funding on a volunteer, part-time basis. As a result, <br /> court referrals were relatively infrequent. However, the program is now in a position to gain <br /> some momentum, since their full-time Teen Court Coordinator, Joe Elliott, was hired in <br /> January 1995. Mr. Elliott is working closely with the district attorney's office, with the <br /> objective of increasing the rate and volume of referrals, and is recruiting students to serve in <br /> the various court-related roles. <br /> The program may also try to broaden the types of referrals to Teen Court, such as for <br /> truancy and conflict resolution cases. They are also considering the addition of a substance <br /> abuse component, in which all juveniles accepted to Teen Court would receive an assessment <br /> aimed at identifying substance-abusing, at-risk youth. For those so identified, the Teen Court <br /> program could work with the mediation center, schools, and other resources in the community <br /> to attempt to ensure that these juveniles are given the opportunity to receive counseling. <br /> Finally, the program envisions that the teen court concept could be broadened such that middle <br /> and high schools could operate "in-house" Teen Court programs to address certain problems <br /> originating at school. <br /> Durham County. The Durham Teen Court program hopes to expand its caseload, <br /> which they feel will occur as knowledge and visibility of the program increases. They hope to <br /> eventually increase the frequency of sessions, perhaps to two per month. In addition, they are <br /> considering the possible future expansion of the program to the elementary school level, so <br /> that the chances for middle school and high school delinquency are reduced. <br /> Durham Teen Court is also investigating other sources of funding, in addition to that <br /> provided by the General Assembly. For example, the Coordinator is currently trying to enlist <br /> support from the Durham Exchange Club. Those involved in Teen Court feel that with the <br /> wealth of resources in the Research Triangle area, additional funding sources should be <br /> available for the program. Provided that additional funding can be found, one goal is to <br /> employ a full-time coordinator, which could make the program more effective. <br /> Finally, the Durham Teen Court program reports that an endowment, the Gail Tyre <br /> Donovan Teen Court Fund, has been established. Attorney Donovan enthusiastically <br /> supported the establishment of a Teen Court program, and participated in training students to <br /> serve as jurors and attorneys. The endowment has received several donations, and has over <br /> $950 in it at present. <br /> { <br /> E <br />