Teen Court is a diversion program, with the goal of offering youth an alternative to juvenile detention. This program offers all participants the unique opportunity to learn about the consequences of criminal behavior and how it affects their community. This program overseen by Northwest Youth Services and is accessed through referrals by the Prosecutor's Office. Teen Court hears cases involving youth who are facing a second discretionary diversion or who failed a traditional diversion contract. The offenses involved are misdemeanors, and do not include offenses involving weapons, domestic violence or gang activity. The offender admits to the offense and then goes before a jury of high school students charged with determining the penalties to be assessed.