News Release: Lake County Commission designates Sept. as Teen Court month

News Release

For immediate release - September 6, 2006

Lake County Commission designates Sept. as Teen Court month

TAVARES — The Lake County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed the month of September 2006 as Teen Court Month during its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Stephanie Glass, Lake County Teen Court Coordinator, accepts a proclamation announcing September as Teen Court month from Lake County Commissioner Catherine Hanson.

The National Youth Court Center and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency program, in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, have designated this month as the Fifth Annual Youth Court Month.

The Lake County Teen Court program gives first-time offenders, between the ages of 10 and 17, a second chance, yet holds them accountable for their actions. The defendant must stand before a jury of their peers, plead guilty and accept the sanctions they impose. Teen volunteers, ages 13 to 17, act as defense attorney, prosecuting attorney, bailiff, clerk and jury. The only participating adult in the courtroom is the judge.

According to Stephanie Glass, Lake County Teen Court Coordinator, this year’s youth and adult volunteers committed more than 3,300 hours of service to the program. Teen Court respondents have also provided more than 6,650 hours of service to agencies within the local community.

“Our program has been a positive force in the lives of more than 190 teen respondents this year by providing them a second chance while holding them accountable for their behavior,” Glass said.

To learn more about the Lake County Teen Court Program, an orientation training class is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 14, from 5:15 to 7:30 p.m. at 1300 S. Duncan Drive (State Road 19), Building E, Tavares. To reserve a seat, call Glass at (352) 742-6511.

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Media contact:
Christopher Patton
Public Information Coordinator
Office: (352) 343-9609; Cell: (352) 455-0445
cpatton@lakecountyfl.gov

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