Teen Court is a voluntary program which assists first time non violent teenage offenders in assuming responsibility for their behavior through involvement in the judicial process and work in the community.

Yes. Every participant in Teen court takes an Oath of Confidentiality and must keep any information they hear in court confidential. The Teen Court Coordinator only discusses your case with you, your parent, the teen attorneys, and the referring police agency.  The jurors hear the facts of what happened but every attempt is made to not use last names.

Jeans, in good condition, are acceptable as appropriate attire for the courtroom. 

The following are not allowed: 

• Caps and Hats
• T-Shirts
• Shorts
• Miniskirts (more than 3" above the knee)
• Tank Tops
• Midriffs
• Torn Clothing

The Teen Court Coordinator or appointed representative has the final authority regarding inappropriate behavior and/or attire.

All volunteers are asked to be present and signed in with the Teen Court staff by 5:00 on court nights. Cases are assigned at this time and if a youth is late, he or she may not have any assigned duties. Approximately 40 volunteers are needed each court night.
 

IT IS ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL THAT YOU CALL AND LET US KNOW IF YOU CAN ATTEND AFTER RECEIVING YOUR SUBPOENA!

Yes. Teen Court is a formal and serious place requiring everyone's respect.

Anyone between the ages of 10 and 17 years old who admits guilty to a non violent first time offense.

A jury of your peers will determine your sentence or punishment, which could entail all of the following:

• 0-20 hours of community service
• Service as a juror in a future session of Teen Court
• Participation in educational courses (such as Anger Management)
• Referral to counseling
• $25 mandatory court fee
• Tour Kankakee County Jail
• Letters of apology
• Essays related to the offense

The jury will consider your testimony, the prosecuting and defense attorneys recommendations, and the "Teen Court Discipline Guidelines" to determine the appropriate sentence for your case.

You have 90 days to complete your sentence.  If you don't complete your sentence, your case will be referred back to the Kankakee County States Attorney for prosecution through the regular Juvenile Court system.