Perceptions and Outcomes following Teen Court Involvement.

The study discussed in this article aimed to explore geographic variation in teen court program completion and recidivism and examine the value of teen courts from the point of view of respondents and their families. Mixed methods, including survival analysis and constant comparison analysis of qualitative interview findings, were used to address the study aims in a sample drawn from three jurisdictions. Results indicate that successful teen court participation was associated with low rates of recidivism, particularly when compared with youths who took part in teen court hearings but failed to comply with court requirements. Interview data identified themes reflecting fairness, consequences, and accountability. Findings suggest that teen courts play a valuable role in the spectrum of juvenile justice interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]