FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Todd Hallidy
Phone: (302) 577-8314
Date: November 7, 2001
 

A.G. BRADY PRESENTS CHECK TO TEEN COURT
 

(Dover, DE) -- Attorney General M. Jane Brady today presented a check from her office in the amount of $10,000.00 to Delaware Teen Courts, Incorporated. Teen Court Coordinator Angela Ciampa-Gilbert accepted the check during a ceremony at the Kent County Family Court building.

Teen Court lightens Family Court caseloads, and has proven to be a behavior-changing program. When all parties agree, a minor case involving a juvenile defendant who admits guilt can be assigned to Teen Court, where peers serve as prosecutor, defense attorney, and as jurors on the case. Family Court masters and commissioners preside over Teen Court trials. The jurors determine the sentence the offender must serve. Sentences may include community service, apology to the victim, restitution, and service as a juror in subsequent trials.

Attorney General Brady said, "In Teen Court, young offenders are held accountable by their peers. They gain a better appreciation for the impact their crime has on their victims, an appreciation that is reinforced when defendants are subsequently required to serve as jurors for other Teen Court cases, and they learn about the consequences of crimes committed by others."

According to Ms. Ciampa-Gilbert, "The Teen Court program is funded strictly through grants, so this check helps tremendously. We couldn't do it without the support of Attorney General Brady."

Teen Court was started in Delaware by Attorney General Jane Brady and members of the American Legion Auxiliary, led by Kathy Foltz, Mary Tucker, Millie Lindale, Millie Lehner and Eleanor Hartnett. The group established Delaware Teen Court as a non-profit organization, and prominent attorneys and community members serve on the Board of Directors.

The funds come from a juvenile justice grant from the U.S. Department of Justice and will fund general operating expenses. Attorney General Brady's office also helps fund the Sussex Teen Court, which began operating earlier this year.
 
 
 

-30-