May 21, 2010
Finance Committee Recommends Teen Court to Full Council
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) -- The Finance Committee of Huntington City Council has recommended that the proposed Teen Court be given a favorable nod to the full council.
Under the proposal, certain non-violent teens would be able to participate in the process which would permit a jury of peers to issue sanctions for select Huntington youth.
Financing for the project would come by adding $5 to non-parking citations issued by the Huntington Police Department. Each teen appearing before the court would pay a $25 processing fee.
United Way of River Cities would act as the fiscal agent for the Teen Court project, according to Tim White, Weed and Seed coordinator, and Laura Gilliam, of the United Way.
Gilliam said the United Way acts as fiscal agent for the Cabell County Substance Abuse Partnership, which “fills a need” and has been “valuable and successful.” She believes the Teen Court would compliment the Substance Abuse Partnership.
White indicated that a part-time coordinator may be hired. Under questioning from Steve Williams, this employee would not be on the city payroll, but that of United Way.
Judge Patricia Keller would be a coordinator with the Cabell County court system and both Judges Jane Hustead and Dan O’Hanlon sent letters supporting the project.
White also suggested that the recent graduates of the Huntington Police Department Explorers would serve on the Teen Court. The Explorers program in middle and high schools of Cabell and Wayne County encourages young people interested in becoming law enforcement officers. Of 40 students who began the program, sixteen graduated.
Teens would not only act as jurors but also as attorneys and others involved in the court process. The Cabell County Commission has agreed to allow use of a circuit courtroom in the evening at no cost.
The Teen Court could involve young people from other cities in Cabell County , such as Barboursville and Milton, but both cities would have to pass a resolution adding the $5.00 fee to their non-parking violations and remit it to the United Way.
If other municipalities do NOT choose to participate, then, only teens (14-17) from within the Huntington city limits would be considered by juvenile probation as candidates for the teen court process. The program is for non-violent first offenders and if they complete their sanction, then, if they do not get into other trouble with the law, the violation would be expunged from their record when they turn 18.
The decision on the Teen Court now goes to the full body of Huntington City Council for an up or down vote.
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Finance Committee Recommends Teen Court to Full Council
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) -- The Finance Committee of Huntington City Council has recommended that the proposed Teen Court be given a favorable nod to the full council.
Under the proposal, certain non-violent teens would be able to participate in the process which would permit a jury of peers to issue sanctions for select Huntington youth.
Financing for the project would come by adding $5 to non-parking citations issued by the Huntington Police Department. Each teen appearing before the court would pay a $25 processing fee.
United Way of River Cities would act as the fiscal agent for the Teen Court project, according to Tim White, Weed and Seed coordinator, and Laura Gilliam, of the United Way.
Gilliam said the United Way acts as fiscal agent for the Cabell County Substance Abuse Partnership, which “fills a need” and has been “valuable and successful.” She believes the Teen Court would compliment the Substance Abuse Partnership.
White indicated that a part-time coordinator may be hired. Under questioning from Steve Williams, this employee would not be on the city payroll, but that of United Way.
Judge Patricia Keller would be a coordinator with the Cabell County court system and both Judges Jane Hustead and Dan O’Hanlon sent letters supporting the project.
White also suggested that the recent graduates of the Huntington Police Department Explorers would serve on the Teen Court. The Explorers program in middle and high schools of Cabell and Wayne County encourages young people interested in becoming law enforcement officers. Of 40 students who began the program, sixteen graduated.
Teens would not only act as jurors but also as attorneys and others involved in the court process. The Cabell County Commission has agreed to allow use of a circuit courtroom in the evening at no cost.
The Teen Court could involve young people from other cities in Cabell County , such as Barboursville and Milton, but both cities would have to pass a resolution adding the $5.00 fee to their non-parking violations and remit it to the United Way.
If other municipalities do NOT choose to participate, then, only teens (14-17) from within the Huntington city limits would be considered by juvenile probation as candidates for the teen court process. The program is for non-violent first offenders and if they complete their sanction, then, if they do not get into other trouble with the law, the violation would be expunged from their record when they turn 18.
The decision on the Teen Court now goes to the full body of Huntington City Council for an up or down vote.
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Make HNN Your Homepage (IE Users Only)
