SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL YOUTH COURT MONTH

President Bush has proclaimed September 2003 as National Youth Court Month. To demonstrate its support for Midland Teen Court and highlight its contributions, Michael J. Canon, Mayor of the City of Midland, Texas is proclaiming September 2003 as Midland Teen Court Month at the September 9^th meeting of the City Council.

As of May 2003, there were close to 900 youth court programs in 46 states and the District of Columbia.  Midland Teen Court begins its 17^th year of operation this month. Over 10,167 cases have been referred since the start of Midland Teen Court.  From January to August of 2003 Midland Teen Court heard 439 cases: 246 traffic cases and 192 non-traffic cases.  The non-traffic cases include MIP (Minor in Possession), Theft under $50.00, Curfew Violations and Disorderly Conduct.  Midland Teen Court was begun by the Junior League of Midland in 1986, incorporated as Midland Teen Court, Inc., in 1993, and is a charter member of the Teen Court Association of Texas.

Midland Teen Court uses youth participation as an alternative system of justice and educational opportunity, offering young offenders an opportunity to accept responsibility and make restitution for their offenses through community service, specialized classes and jury service.  Youth courts are one of the fastest growing crime prevention and intervention programs in the nation.  They offer a forum for youth and adults to work together to hold young offenders accountable and to keep our city’s young people and the community safe.  We welcome adult volunteers and youth volunteers can receive community service hours by acting as a juror or teen attorney.

Midland Teen Court is held on set Monday evenings, with check-in beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Midland County Courthouse, 200 W. Wall. Our next court dates are: September 8, 22, 29 October 6, 20, 27 November 3, 10, 17 and December 1 and 8. Please call the Midland Teen Court office at 689-1065 for more information.