BRADENTON, Fla. — The office of the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is seeking adult volunteers for Manatee County’s Teen Court and Teen Court Too, diversionary programs designed to stop youthful delinquent behavior before a pattern is established.
Manatee County’s Teen Court and Teen Court Too allow first-time juvenile offenders, ages 10 – 17, a second chance while holding them accountable for their actions. Cases are heard before a jury of their peers and sanctions are assigned for the defendant to complete.
Adult volunteers are needed for courtroom monitoring and contract writing. No prior knowledge of social services or child welfare is needed. Hearings for the programs are held every Tuesday from 5:15 – 7:15 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Manatee County Judicial Center at 1051 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton.
“Our adult volunteers play an important role in keeping good kids on track and getting the good-at-heart kids back on track,” said Sue Lockliear, supervisor of Manatee County Teen Court and Teen Court Too. “No experience is necessary, but a compassion for children and a desire to improve their safety and well being is vital. We will train you and welcome anyone interested in this essential effort.”
For more information or to volunteer, contact Sue Lockliear or Rina Madrid at 941-741-4027 or visit the website of the Clerk of the Circuit Court at http://www.manateeclerk.com/Departments/Teen Court.aspx.
About the Manatee County Clerk of the Court
The Florida Constitution established the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller as a public trustee, independently elected to protect public funds and public records while executing the functions of Clerk of the Circuit Court, County Comptroller, Treasurer and Auditor, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners and County Recorder. The Clerk oversees a staff of more than 275 people, responsible for performing nearly 1,000 constitutional or statutory functions or duties, representing the broadest and most diverse mantle of responsibility of any locally elected official. The citizens of Manatee County elect the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller to a term of four years. Currently, Angelina M. Colonneso serves as the Clerk of the Court. For more information, call 941-749-1800 or visit www.ManateeClerk.com.