The Office of the District Attorney's Juvenile Diversion program implemented a Teen Court program in Park County in 2008. Teen court allows youth ages 10 - 17 who commit first time minor offenses to be held accountable by their peers. Teen Court is designed to hold youth accountable for their actions and to repair harm to the victim and/or community.

An informational meeting was held in 2007 to assess community interest. Park County Courts, Park County Probation Department, Sheriff's Office, Platte Canyon High School, therapists in the community, and the District Attorney's Office all expressed an interest in bringing a Teen Court program to Park County.

In the spring of 2008, the Juvenile Diversion Coordinator in collaboration with Platte Canyon High School implemented two training sessions that were held at the high school. Platte Canyon teacher Kip Otteson worked with the Juvenile Diversion Coordinator to help organize a Teen Court training and to recommend youth as potential volunteers. Over 40 youth participated in both trainings. The first training consisted of providing a Teen Court overview and carrying out a mock trial. District Attorney Molly Chilson, Sheriff's Office Victim's Advocate Mary Pat Bowen and Juvenile Diversion Coordinator Susan Boyle conducted the second training. The second training focused on the Juvenile Justice System, Teen Court, Victim advocacy, and a mock trial.

Twenty-two (22) youth signed up to be Teen Court volunteers following these trainings. Teen Court will take place once a month at Platte Canyon High School during the school year. The Juvenile Diversion program is excited to bring this service to the Park County community.