Peer Court, Inc. was established in 1993 to add a new concept of diversion and
accountability to our Juvenile Justice System. It is directed toward juvenile
misdemeanor offenders who have admitted guilt or participation in an offense.
Peer Court involves a teen jury system which brings together juvenile offenders,
their peers and community agencies to determine consequences for the offenses.
Referrals are taken from law enforcement agencies and typically include offenses
such as retail theft, drug and alcohol violations, disorderly conduct, curfew,
etc. The teen court holds hearings to determine the circumstances of the offense
and develop contracts with the offenders, which include restitution, apologies,
community service work, and educational programs.
Peer Court relies upon youth volunteers to serve as jurors, clerks, bailiffs and
attorneys. These volunteers come from all over Vermilion County and should be
between the ages of 10 and 17 or still in high school. Volunteers participate in
actual trials, and are able to see the consequences of teen related decisions
and issues in a first hand experience. Parents are welcome, but not required, to
observe court with the volunteers. Many times this participation encourages
dialogue between parents and their children about important teen relation
issues.
Peer Court sessions are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:00
P.M. Peer Court is held at Harrison Park Clubhouse which is located at the
western end of Voorhees St.
If you should have any questions or require additional information about Peer
Court, please call our office at 217-443-9044.
Peer Court holds court sessions every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. You will receive a summons in the mail when you are expected to volunteer. Please feel free to attend Peer Court even if you do not receive a summons. Peer Court sessions are held at Harrison Park Clubhouse. Court sessions can run until 8:30 depending on the number of cases that are scheduled for a night. Please ask the Peer Court coordinator what time Peer Court will be over. After filling out the volunteer application, please return this form to: PEER COURT, INC. 101 W. North St. Danville, Il. 61832 or email to Peer Court.