The chief goal of Teen Courts is to provide an effective alternative to reducing recidivism through restoring the youth's position within the community. Adopting smart decarceration techniques that are both cost effective and beneficial for society and the population is the challenge. Teen Courts are the answer. They offer a way to address the crime, without the stigma of a formal, criminal record (Gase et al., 2016). Throughout the program, youths are educated in law, principles of restorative justice, teen court procedures, and problm solving skills (Gase et al., 2016). These components contribute to each role the juvenile is assigned to. Sentencing is focused more on advocacy for peers, protection of the community, and general accountability among all participants (Forgays, 2008). Juveniles discuss the cause/effect of the crime, damages to the surrounding community, and how the offender will make restitution. Punishment is not the focus, with the most common sentence being community service.

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According to a study examing Teen Court Programs in Los Angeles County during the years of 2012-14, almost 25% of the non-program participants reoffended, compared to only 18% of program participants (Gase et al., 2016). This data reveals that the Teen Court intervention is effective in reducing future arrests (recidivism).

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In addition, the Whatcom County Teen Court Program was also examined in a separate study, across a three year perod, following eighty four offenders (Forgays, 2008). Each year showed lower recidivism rates for Teen Court, compared to traditional Court Diversion.

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Law Enforcement Agencies are the strongest advocates for Teen Court (Peterson, 2009).