What Are the Benefits of Being a Teen Court Volunteer?

Teen volunteers learn valuable skills such as problem solving, public speaking, and diversity. 

They also interact regularly with influential members of the community, including judges, attorneys, and educators.  In addition, all teen volunteers complete a 16 hour law-related education training program.   Teens receive community service hours for their participation.

Adult volunteers are a critical element of the program and may serve as judge, session coordinator, case manager, attorney coach, or trainer.  Judges (attorneys) preside over Teen Court hearing sessions. Session coordinators contact all volunteers scheduled to participate to confirm their participation and register teens the night of the hearings.  Case managers meet with the defendants and parents immediately after sentencing and make follow- ups calls to defendants and the Teen Court Coordinator. Attorney Coaches (attorneys) help teen attorneys prepare cases.

How Do I Become a Teen Court Volunteer?

Applications and teacher recommendations are due no later than May 15.  To be a Teen Court of Jefferson County volunteer, you must be entering the 8th - 12th grade, in good academic standing at your school, and live and/or attend school within Jefferson county.  All applicants must attend an interview with the Teen Court Coordinator.  Applicants are selected into the program based on the application, teacher recommendation, and interview.  Teens selected into the program will be required to attend two Saturdays of mandatory (click here for dates) training in August at Samford University.

To download an application click here.

Adults who are interested in volunteering, please contact the Teen Court coordinator at 205-264-8174 or by email.