History of the Mercer Couty Teen Court Initiative...
The Mercer County Teen Court idea was originally presented to various legal personnel and civic leaders at a special Youth Summit in Flatwoods, WV on May 8, 2001. At that time, there was initial interest in forming a teen court, but unfortunately due to lack of funds and manpower, the idea was placed on the shelf for a later time.
To seek the funds needed, Community Connections, Inc., a local non-profit member of the West Virginia Family Resource Network, looked to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) to secure a $100,000 grant to organize and administer the Teen Court initiative, and increase the awareness of substance use and abuse in our community.
On October 1, 2001, Community Connections, Inc. (CCI) was awarded the Drug Free Community Support Program grant from the OJJDP.
On November 5, 2001, CCI hired Greg Puckett, a lifelong Mercer County resident, to lead the Mercer County Drug Free Community Support Program.
On December 5, 2001, The Mercer County Drug Free Community Support Program held an advisory committee meeting to guide the project forward. The committee pledged their full support
On, or shortly after January 1, 2002, a part-time Teen Court Coordinator was sought for employment. That person will work directly with the Probation office at the courthouse to help move the project forward.
On March 4, 2002, Jerri Moses was hired as Teen Court Coordinator
The Mercer County Teen Court is still in the early stages of development and should be ready in the coming months.
A cooperative effort of the Mercer County Drug Free Community Support Program,
Community Connections, Inc. and ChildLaw Services, Inc.
