Any lessons learned?
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Teens in the court program are asked by the judge to write essays about the impact of their citation and the program. Below are a few quotes from the essays of past participants:
“But that’s not me! I am a good kid. I’m in Safe Rides. I am the president of the National Honors Society. I tutor kids at Math Support. I had just been studying for AP tests and SAT II exams at Barnes and Noble. But, in the end, that didn’t matter. My recklessness determined my fate that night. I posed a threat to the public, and I was going to pay… When I appeared before the Judge, he made me put things in perspective, and I realized that my actions jeopardized my life and the lives of others.” – Male, age 16
“I have learned my lesson and will never hold, or try marijuana and other type of drugs there are. There has been no other punishment worse than this. I have not only felt embarrassed that this happened, but I am ashamed, and disappointed. I will never try drugs for anyone under any circumstances.” – Female, age 13
“Driving is not something to mess around with. It is the responsibility of everyone on the road to look out for themselves and those around them, and when they do not, more names get added to the Youth Grove Memorial, including myself. Driving is a privilege, and I am going to make sure that I am the safest driver on the road from now on.” – Male, age 16
Since 2006, the Community/Teen Court Diversion Program has helped hundreds of Santa Clarita youth learn from their mistakes and take a new direction in life. The program helps them become successful students and community members. The vast majority of youth do not re-offend after participating in the program.
