Monongalia County Teen Court 2026-2027

10/01/2026

Hello Teen Court Families, Partners, Volunteers, and Community Members!

We have a lot happening with Monongalia County Teen Court this fall, and we’re excited to share several new opportunities, program updates, and upcoming events!

1. Teen Court Awards Ceremony – November 18
Please save the date for our Teen Court Awards Ceremony!

Wednesday, November 18, 2026
4:00–6:00 PM
Monongalia County Justice Center, 2nd floor, Courtroom 3

We’ll be celebrating the accomplishments of our Teen Court participants, volunteers, interns, and supporters who have helped make the program successful this year.

More information about the ceremony, awards, and attendance will be shared soon!

2. Now Accepting Truancy Cases
Monongalia County Teen Court is now expanding our programming to accept truancy-related referrals.

Our truancy program is designed to go beyond simply addressing missed school days. Youth will work on identifying barriers to attendance, setting goals, monitoring their progress, and building accountability with support from Teen Court staff, interns, mentors, families, and schools.

Schools and community partners interested in referring a student or learning more about the program are encouraged to reach out.

3. New Law Student Workshops/Guest Speakers
We are also excited to begin welcoming WVU College of Law students to Teen Court for special workshops throughout the semester!

Law students will introduce our youth to different areas of law, legal careers, courtroom skills, and real-world legal topics through short discussions followed by interactive activities, games, debates, and scenarios.

These workshops will give our participants another opportunity to learn about the legal system while connecting with law students and future attorneys in our community.

4. Juror & Attorney Training – October 7
Interested in becoming more involved in Teen Court or sharpening your attorney skills?

Following Teen Court on Wednesday, October 7, we will host a Juror, Clerk, & Teen Attorney Training Session for youth interested in learning how to serve in these roles or to sharpen your skills.

Participants will learn how Teen Court works, courtroom expectations, the responsibilities of jurors and youth attorneys, how to evaluate a case, and how to participate confidently and appropriately in the courtroom.

5. Training Will Continue Monthly!
Beginning in October, we plan to offer Juror & Attorney Training after Teen Court on the first Wednesday of each month.

This will give new youth an opportunity to become trained throughout the year while allowing current volunteers to refresh and strengthen their courtroom skills.

Whether you want to become an attorney, serve on a jury, learn more about the justice system, complete community service, build your resume, or simply try something new, we would love to have you involved!

Thank you to our families, schools, volunteers, law students, community partners, and supporters for continuing to help Teen Court grow. We’re looking forward to an exciting fall!

Best,

Alexyss Coles, Esq.
Teen Court Coordinator
[email protected]
Text/Call 304-504-7055

09/21/2026

Monongalia County Teen Court will be at the WVU College of Law Service Opportunity Expo today! ⚖️💙

We’re excited to connect with law students interested in volunteering, mentoring youth, gaining courtroom experience, and supporting restorative justice in our community.

📍 Fitzsimmons Event Hall, Room 180
🕛 12:00–1:00 PM

Stop by our table, meet us, and learn how you can get involved with Teen Court! We’d love to have you on our team.

08/25/2026

🎉 Teen Court Back-to-School Bash RSVP! 🎒

Hey everyone! Our Back-to-School Bash is coming up on Saturday, September 5 from 12–5 PM at Dorsey K**b Park! 🤗

Please fill out the RSVP form below so I know who is coming, how many guests you're bringing, and can make sure we have enough food, drinks, snacks, and supplies for everyone.

Friends and family are welcome to come with you! Please share this event with friends at school that may be interested in Teen Court 💙

The form also asks if you'd like to bring anything to help with the Bash. You are NOT required to bring anything at all—it's completely optional!

We're going to have food, music, games, relay races, Minute-to-Win-It challenges, a co****le tournament, scavenger hunt, Giant Jenga, prizes, and plenty of time to just hang out. 🎶🏆🌽

Please RSVP as soon as you can!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScROWcz7FNim4TnYEjDXihY9ScTkjMSWEHFRH97HGXkPx-4AQ/viewform?usp=header

Can't wait to have everyone together outside of court and celebrate the new school year! 🎉💙

Send a message to learn more

08/18/2026

🎉 WE’RE STILL LOOKING FOR VENDORS & COMMUNITY PARTNERS! 🎉

Our Monongalia County Teen Court Back-to-School Bash is coming up on Saturday, September 5 from 12–5 PM at Dorsey K**b Park Pavilion, and we still have room for local businesses and organizations to join us! 🤗🎒

We are especially looking for community partners who would be willing to provide a FREE activity, service, giveaway, or experience for our middle and high school students. 💙

🎨 Crafts & activities
🎈 Kids/teen entertainment
🍪 Food, drinks & snacks
🎮 Games
🎁 Giveaways
📚 Youth/community resources
✨ And other fun ideas!

There is NO vendor fee for businesses or organizations providing something FREE for attendees.

Want to sell your products or services instead? Vendor spaces are available for a $25 vendor fee, with proceeds supporting ChildLaw Services in operating Monongalia County Teen Court.

Interested? Comment below or send us a message!

And please TAG a local business, organization, or vendor you think should join us! 👇

Let’s give our local kids an awesome way to kick off the new school year! 🎉💙

08/13/2026

Still accepting donations and vendors! Tag your favorites!!

08/09/2026

How to Prepare for Your First Teen Court Appearance

Your Teen Court date is coming up—here's how to prepare.

✔ Arrive early.
✔ Dress appropriately.
✔ Bring any required paperwork.
✔ Turn off your phone.
✔ Be respectful to everyone.
✔ Answer questions honestly.
✔ Listen carefully.
✔ Stay calm.

Remember:

Everyone makes mistakes.

Teen Court exists to help young people learn from those mistakes, repair harm, and move forward with confidence.

We'll be there to guide you every step of the way.

08/08/2026

Teen Court vs. Adult Court: What's the Difference?

⚖️ Teen Court and Adult Court have very different goals.

Teen Court
✔ Focuses on accountability
✔ Uses trained teen volunteers
✔ Encourages learning and growth
✔ Promotes community service and restorative justice
✔ Helps eligible youth move forward after making a mistake

Adult Court
• More formal legal process
• Different procedures and potential penalties
• Designed to address criminal cases involving adults

Teen Court gives eligible youth an opportunity to learn, grow, and make better choices before entering the traditional justice system.

08/07/2026

What Should You Never Say to a Judge?

⚖️ Respect goes a long way in court.

Avoid statements like:

❌ "It wasn't my fault."
❌ "Everyone else was doing it."
❌ Rolling your eyes or arguing.
❌ Interrupting others.
❌ Using inappropriate language.
❌ Laughing during serious discussions.

Instead:

✅ Listen carefully.
✅ Answer honestly.
✅ Speak respectfully.
✅ Accept responsibility when appropriate.

Your attitude often speaks just as loudly as your words.

08/06/2026

Can I Get a Job With a Juvenile Record?

Yes—having a juvenile case does not automatically prevent you from getting a job.

Many employers never see juvenile records, and successfully completing Teen Court may help you avoid deeper involvement in the juvenile justice system when you're eligible.

What matters most to employers?

✔ Responsibility
✔ Honesty
✔ Good references
✔ Showing you've learned from mistakes
✔ Strong work ethic

One mistake doesn't define your future.

Keep moving forward.

08/06/2026

Statistics like these remind us why Teen Court exists.

Every young person deserves support, guidance, and a second chance. At Mon County Teen Court, we believe that accountability and opportunity go hand in hand. By investing in our youth today, we’re helping build stronger futures for tomorrow.

Behind every case is a child with potential—not just a statistic. That’s why we’re committed to empowering, educating, and believing in the next generation of West Virginians. 💙💛