Courtesy Photo/Tanya Norris
Students of the Teen Court Academy held April 2, proudly display their certificates with Henderson County Precinct 5 Justice of the Peace Tanya Norris (center).

Courtesy Photo/Tanya Norris
Teen Court is in session. Members of the Teen Court Academy prepare for lunch April 2. Pizza, drinks, ice, chips, plates and more were donated by community members for the students lunch. 

HENDERSON COUNTY—Henderson County Precinct 5 Justice of the Peace Tanya Norris is proud to announce a successful start to re-establish the Teen Court program. The goal of the program is to reduce teen misdemeanor offenses, provide an educational awareness of good citizenship for offenders and volunteers and to assist in the timely positive and practical resolution of juvenile Class C misdemeanor offenses. 
Norris explained that she wanted to bring Teen Court back to the county when she learned that most truancy cases in Henderson County are filed in the Precinct 5 court. “I am passionate about helping youth who may be struggling, so I jumped at the chance. Last year, there were more than 200 Truancy-related cases filed in my court. Spending time and speaking with those kids confirmed that I am in the right place and so many kids just need someone to believe in them and encourage them,” said Norris. Norris explained to The Monitor that H.B. 3186 (88th Legislative Session), the Texas Youth Diversion and Early Intervention Act, is intended to increase opportunities for identifying at-risk youth and redirecting juveniles charged with Class C Misdemeanors by allowing a diversion strategy at the front-end of their case rather than the charge becoming part of their permanent record.
Norris said that while she was adopting a Youth Diversion Plan for her court she knew she needed more options. “I have heard about Teen Court for years, but did not know too much about it. I had the opportunity to attend a Teen Court Workshop in Georgetown in February.” As part of the workshop, Norris saw testimonials of youth that had been involved over the years that had been impacted by the program. Many went on to attend law school or become otherwise involved in the judicial or juvenile system; they spoke of how it built their confidence, and they spoke about it as a positive influence and opportunity they needed.
Teens who appear before a municipal court judge or justice of the peace in Henderson County may request Teen Court as an alternative sentence if they are willing to plead guilty to their offense and if they and their parents agree to abide by the teen court guidelines. “It is my hope that offenders who go through the process, as well as the ones serving as volunteers, gain a passion for community service. I also know that the program will provide support and a refuge for children who need encouragement, confidence-building and goal-setting for their future,” says Norris. 
Those who complete the punishment phase will have the offense dismissed from their record and will avoid the large fines. Those who do not complete their punishment must pay a fine and costs as set by the judge. Sentencing consists of designated number of community service hours, teen court jury service and in some instances educational courses or counseling. Norris says she hopes that going through the process of Teen Court will reduce recidivism and that offenders as well as volunteers will gain confidence, self-worth and experience that will empower them for the future.
The cases are heard, questioned and sentenced by a jury of teen volunteers or other teens that are completing jury duty as part of their sentence. More than 60 students from Cross Roads, Trinidad, Malakoff and Athens signed up for the “Teen Court Academy” which was held April 2. Students in Mabank and Ennis were also interested in the program. Of those 60 students only 30 were chosen, but there will be opportunities for them to participate in future Teen Court Academies. Students will receive training and the opportunity to serve as prosecuting and defense attorneys. In doing so, they will learn more about laws, the severity of offenses and crimes and the importance of evaluating and developing the evidence to properly present both sides of the case. “Ultimately, kids may even serve as the judge once they have learned proper courtroom procedure. Kids who are not yet comfortable speaking in front of a full audience can serve as jurors, and even as bailiffs,” says Norris.  
During the April 2 academy, Shari Moore and Barry Spencer from the county’s attorney office taught the students in the academy with Thomas Goodell, Precinct 1 Constable as the bailiff.  
“Successful completion of teen court requirements within the specified time frame will result in dismissal of the case. It will also allow the teen to become acquainted with the judicial system and experience the satisfaction of contributing to the community while gaining valuable work experience. Service on Teen Court also looks great on college and scholarship applications,” says Norris. 
Norris explained that she has been overwhelmed with support from the community and has appreciated and accepted the extensive research completed by the county attorney’s office. “They have always been willing to talk to me and offer counsel, as well as being supportive of this program,” says Norris. 
She explained that she spoke to the Commissioners Court April 1 about the program, specifically asking for money to provide lunch for the kids that attended Teen Court Academy. “I believe they are supportive of the program but are not able to provide funding at this time. I don’t see that as a hurdle though. Where there is a will, there is a way,” says Norris. “I now realize that I need to find some community members willing to serve on a board that will operate to raise funds and fund the program. I have already had numerous people and local organizations reach out to me with offers of help,” said Norris. She expressed her appreciation for the donated chips, drinks, ice, plates, napkins and donations for pizza for the students in attendance. “Thank you, thank you, thank you for making this happen,” said Norris. 
According to Norris, students can still be involved even if they have not gone through the training. If you or someone you know who is in middle school through high school is interested in getting involved, please contact Norris’s office at (903) 489-0474.