Local teen court program celebrates zero re-offenses, providing youth a clean slate

TALBOT COUNTY, Md.- The Talbot County Teen Court program is celebrating a 0% reoffending rate.

Last year, the county’s sheriff’s office put a plan into action to save the program which serves first-time offenders ages 13 to 17 for certain non-violent offenses.

We’re told participation in the program continues to increase and they’ve seen over 20 cases through the last year.

Sheriff Joe Gamble tells 47ABC, the goal is to help these teens avoid going through the juvenile court system and starting a criminal record.

He adds their work doesn’t stop at the trial. “We’re able to get the kids that need substance abuse treatment to be evaluated so they and their parents can understand better what resources in the community are available to them,” Gamble said.

“So we’re hoping that long term we’re making a difference. We think we are and we think that our program is a success.”

The program also allows youth to act in the roles of judges, jurors, and attorneys which exposes them to a possible career path.

We’re told the program is still in need of volunteers and to find out more click here