Waldorf, MD— Young offenders need a opportunity to make restitution to there community if they do wrong. In Charles County there is a program that allows these young men and women to do just that.
Charles County Teen Court is a juvenile program where first-time offenders (ages 12 to 17) are judged by a jury of peers. They (offenders) are offered the chance to accept accountability. If they proceed, the crime will not be on their permanent record.
Charles County Sheriff’s Teen Court Program has been around for some time, but when Sarah Vaughan came on board, teen court expanded into what it is today. Many people consider the Teen Court program in Charles County a role model in which other programs emulate.
Sarah Vaughan, who is the coordinator of Charles County Teen Court, has integrated youth restitution in the form of community service, writing educational papers, and appearing on the teen court jury. This process allows the young adult to better themselves and avoid the stigma of a formal record with the Department of Juvenile Services.
“When you watch a kid grow up in front of your eyes and do something really amazing, that’s the best moment ever. Then they [offenders] say, ‘you helped save my life,’ it feels so great to be part of the process,” said Vaughan.
Teen court not only has a presence in the court room, these members travel on field trips. Some examples would include Boys Work Out Boot Camps, going to parts of Washington, D.C and Maryland, and also Mother and Daughter Work Out events.
“Sarah is modest, but her work is incredible and you simply have to see her interacting with the teens who volunteer to work teen court to understand the dynamics of her program,” said Diane Richardson Public Information officer for the Charles County Sheriffs Office.
Vaughan was recognized as Citizen of the Year in 2014.
Contact Charles Seifert at c.seifert@thebaynet.com
