Programs
CASA Program
All children have a right to a home with loving people to care for them, but each year in the U.S., millions of children are abused, neglected, or abandoned by their families. Ultimately, children are removed and placed in foster care or institutions, eventually sending their case to court.
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate, trained community volunteers appointed by a judge to be an advocate for the abused, neglected or abandoned children involved in the court system.
Read more about CASA here.
Teen Court
This is a diversionary program for non-violent first time offenders ages 8 - 17 through informal adjudication and disposition by a jury of peers. Teens are trained to serve as clerk, bailiff, jurors, defense or prosecuting attorney. If an offender completes their sentence successfully, the offense is removed leaving no juvenile record on file.
The Teen Court Mission is to provide an opportunity for youth to serve the community and themselves through the practice of citizenship, responsibility, integrity, accountability and empathy.
Teens can apply to volunteer for Teen Court at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ELAeRithCkvunOKhXe7g6WMWVDEnoUtWG3b2sf1D0wI/edit
Choices Program
A county-wide collaboration between Putnam County's Circuit Court, Juvenile Probation, Prosecutor's Office and the Youth Development Commission.
Choices is a program for all 5th grade students designed to encourage good behavior and choices while promoting an understanding of the laws relating to juveniles.
It is important that all youth make it their responsibility to know the laws.