The holidays are a great reminder to be thankful. The Oklahoma Bar Foundation is thankful for its grantees and the amazing work they do in communities across the state. Check out spotlight grantee, Teen Court, serving Comanche County.

Teen Court’s mission is to intervene in the lives of first-time youthful offenders and high risk juveniles between the ages of 10 – 18 by providing positive resolutions by way of education, mentoring, guidance, and accountability.

“Our goal is to reduce teenage misdemeanor offenses, and increase the importance of being a good, productive citizen in society,” says Marcia Frazier, Executive Director of Teen Court. “Our case load consists of assault & battery, theft, misdemeanor drug and alcohol related offenses committed by first time offenders.”

Teen Court is made up of teenage lawyers, bailiffs and jurors and adult judges who decide the sentences for juvenile offenders who have been court ordered to appear before their peers in exchange for formal charges not being filed.

Adrian’s Teen Court Story

Adrian came through on charges of disorderly conduct for fighting in school in January. He was arrested and ordered to attend Teen Court. Adrian completed educational classes on conflict resolution and anger management. He completed his court sanctions of 20 hours of community service, 3 jury duties and an essay on “fighting.” Last week, Adrian told the Executive Director of Teen Court, “I have learned so much from Teen Court. Can I start volunteering and will you train me to be an attorney, so I can help other kids?” Adrian has begun his training with Teen Court’s attorneys and will be helping as a volunteer.

The Foundation has given over $80,000 in grant funding to Teen Court over the last 7 years. When you give to the Foundation you support programs like Teen Court that help address issues & prevent future problems. Last year 124 cases were heard and sentenced. 97% of those defendants successfully completed the program and have not had a repeated arrest.

Thank you all for changing the lives of our high risk youth and giving them the chance to succeed!