Bradenton, Fla. – The Florida Association of Teen Courts (FATC) has appointed Yantee Hines, Manatee Teen Court/Teen Court Too program supervisor to serve a one-year term on the FATC Board of Directors.
Since 1995, the FATC has served Teen Court programs across Florida by providing collaboration, support, resources, and professional fellowship to reduce recidivism and provide a positive, safe environment for volunteers.
As a core point of contact for Florida counties Teen Court programs, the association develops ideas and resource materials for enhancing program operations statewide.
“The Clerk’s office is proud to have Mr. Hines represent Manatee County on the FATC’s Board of Directors,” said Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Angel Colonneso. “I know he will bring a lot of value to the board and statewide Teen Court programs, just as he has here in Manatee County.”
Since 1991, Manatee County’s Teen Court/Teen Court Too program has prevented thousands of cases from entering the juvenile court system and saved Manatee County taxpayers over $54 million. The program, overseen by the Office of Angelina “Angel” Colonneso, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, is a diversionary program designed to stop youthful delinquent behavior before a pattern is established. The program allows first-time youth offenders, ages 10-17, a second chance while holding them accountable for their actions.
Hines has been the Teen Court/Teen Court Too supervisor since 2021. Since becoming supervisor, Hines has continued the success of the program and implemented new ideas such as a community organization awareness program where speakers from outside agencies are invited to speak to the youth volunteers prior to court. Previous speakers include MADD and Drug Free Manatee.
“I am honored to serve my peers statewide as a member of the FATC’s Board of Directors,” says Yantee Hines. “With over 12 years of experience serving the youth in our community, I plan to use my experience to reach more youth statewide before they get involved with criminal activity.”
For more information about the Manatee County Teen Court/Teen Court Too program, visit the Clerk’s website at www.ManateeClerk.com/Departments/TeenCourt and for more information about the Florida Association of Teen Courts, visit their website at https://floridateencourts.wordpress.com/about/.
About the Clerk’s Office
The Clerk of Circuit Court was established as a public trustee by the Florida Constitution in 1838. The Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the Clerk of Courts, the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, Auditor, Recorder, and Custodian of all County Funds. In Manatee County, the Clerk’s office also administers a local child support enforcement program, violence protection advocacy program, Manatee Teen Court, and the preservation of historical resources through its historical resources department. Located at 1115 Manatee Avenue West in downtown Bradenton, the Courthouse is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.. Please be sure to visit our website at www.manateeclerk.com and sign up for our electronic newsletter.