Title
Health Services Department recommending Chairman be authorized to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 856-PHD0609 with the Superior Court of El Dorado County identifying the roles and responsibilities of the County and the Court for Teen Court collaboration, for a term commencing upon execution and continuing until terminated.
FUNDING: Substance Abuse Prevention & Treatment (SAPT).
Body
Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost: There is no remuneration associated with this MOU. There is no Net County Cost associated with this program; Alcohol/Drug Program staff participation in this program is supported by SAPT Prevention Set-Aside funding.
Background: The El Dorado Collaborative Justice Juvenile Drug Court began November 1, 2002, working with youths age 13-17 and their families to address the high incidence of alcohol/drug abuse among juveniles in El Dorado County. This very successful program has provided family-centered services for the past seven years.
Teen Youth Court is a diversion program of the juvenile court, where juvenile offenders choose to be judged and sentenced by their peers after admitting to committing offenses. The program is a collaborative effort between the Health Services Department, Probation Department, District Attorney, Sheriffs Department, and Superior Court. Students recruited from high schools serve as jurors, prosecutors, defense attorneys, bailiffs, and court clerks. Adult attorneys from the community serve as mentors to the youth attorneys, and a Superior Court Judge presides over the hearings. Sentences recommended by the juries include supportive and punitive measures.
This program has been highly successful in addressing teen alcohol and drug issues, with a successful completion rate of 85% through the collaborative efforts of the Superior Court, County departments and community.
Reason for Recommendation: This MOU provides for continuation of the Teen Youth Court program.
Action to be taken followi...
Click here for full text