Program Details:
The CFUL's Teen Court will begin in 2021.
Teen Court
The CFUL's Teen Court is a diversion program that models similar programs across the country.
This program will serve as a community based court in the Central Florida area, with a focus on lifting up and assisting local African American and Hispanic youth.
The CFUL's Teen Court will prevent youth from being burdened with a criminal record through a trial which is overseen by a judge and jury who are based in the community.
The ultimate goal of the CFUL Teen Court, which complements the organization's other programming, is to curb the school–to-prison pipeline, ultimately decreasing recidivism rates among Central Florida's African American and Hispanic youth.
For the community-at-large, the CFUL's Teen Court promotes civic engagement as it welcomes volunteers to participate in the trials.
At the end of the process, students participating in the Teen Court program who are granted community service will work with Central Florida Urban League. Here, we will provide them with enrichment opportunities and personal development. Students will then have the opportunity to be mentored, receive job training, and career coaching.