Manatee County Teen Court Hosts Statewide Conference to Empower Future Leaders
The Manatee County Teen Court, a program under the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, proudly hosted the 2024 Florida Association of Teen Courts Annual Conference from December 4–6. The event celebrated over three decades of success in offering a restorative justice alternative for youth and brought together Teen Court leaders, law enforcement, and judicial professionals from across Florida.
Established in 1991, the Manatee County Teen Court and Teen Court Too programs have provided first-time juvenile offenders aged 10 to 17 with a diversionary path from the traditional justice system. The programs offer a second chance while fostering civic responsibility by emphasizing accountability and peer-driven processes. Over its 30-year history, the programs have diverted more than 18,000 cases, saving taxpayers an estimated $54 million and building stronger community ties.
The conference highlighted the program’s impact through sessions led by local law enforcement and judicial speakers, including Judge Paul Logan, one of the founding judges of Manatee County’s Teen Court program. Attendees explored innovative strategies to enhance the effectiveness of Teen Court programs statewide. Youth volunteers play pivotal roles in these programs, assuming courtroom positions such as prosecutors, defense attorneys, and jurors, where they determine constructive sanctions for their peers.
Clerk Angel Colonneso opened the conference with a message celebrating the critical role Teen Court plays in shaping futures and building stronger communities. Participants reflected on the success of the Manatee County program and its commitment to fostering leadership, accountability, and positive outcomes for youth.
The three-day event demonstrated how the Teen Court model continues to evolve, inspiring stakeholders from across Florida to expand its reach and deepen its impact. Through innovative and collaborative approaches, programs like Teen Court ensure that young individuals are guided toward brighter futures, strengthening the communities they call home.