Fortuna
Teen Court
TEEN COURT OVERVIEW
Teen Court is an innovative diversion program for first-time juvenile offenses. It is a real court that is run entirely by teen volunteers, with adult mentors providing guidance. Youth fill all of the court roles, including juror. Jurors hear the youth participant’s story and work together to come up with an appropriate assignment that helps the youthful offender to repair harms and learn from their mistake. We organize around youth empowerment and restorative justice. Justice for youth by youth!
Youth-led restorative practices have the potential to harness the collective knowledge of youth to shape plans of repair that are achievable and aim to draw youth further into the community, rather than ostracizing or marking youth as undesirable.
In addition to equipping youth with valuable skills, Teen Court also allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of harm and focus on skill-building, affirmation, accountability, and positive behavioral growth, rather than mere punitive discipline.
Humboldt County Teen Court has been a program of the Boys & Girls Club of the Redwoods since 2001. And in 2023, we expanded with a new location in Fortuna. We partner with the Humboldt County Superior Court, Probation, law enforcement, schools, and community agencies to deliver healthy services to our community. Youth Courts are a national movement.
PHONE/TEXT: 707-617-8160
EMAIL: fortunatc@bgcredwoods.org
FORTUNA TEEN COURT OFFICE: inside the Gene Lucas Community Center, 3000 Newburg Rd, Fortuna
HOURS: Tuesday-Thursday 9:30 AM-6:00 PM
FACEBOOK: Facebook/hcteencourt
YOUTUBE: YouTube/hcteencourt
Fortuna YOUth CHOOSE: Prevention for Substance Using Teens. Call/Text for appointment
FORTUNA PROGRAMS
Fortuna
TEEN COURT
Fortuna TEEN COURT is a real court run entirely by teen volunteers addressing infractions and misdemeanor-level offenses. It is a diversion program based on restorative justice, where teens focus on supporting and helping youth instead of merely punishing. Hearings involve a handful of teens who sit and listen to a case and come up with a restorative plan along with the participant. Participants have the option to restore relationships, be held accountable, and move forward without the shadow of a police record.
Location: Gene Lucas Community Center, 3000 Newburg Rd, Fortuna
Times: 4:15-6:00pm, Wednesdays
“I think things through before I do them, I have a better relationship with my parents, my choice of friends- it has made a huge impact on everything. I understand ‘respect’ and how important it is every day!”
-Former Participant
Fortuna
Attendance Council
Peer Support Group
ATTENDANCE COUNCIL is a peer support group for students struggling with chronic school absenteeism. Fellow students help the clients create an action plan to get them back on track for success.
This is a support group that is adult facilitated but peer led; it is a place where youth can leverage their experience to help pull back others from school disengagement by providing peer-to-peer
mentoring.
In addressing school attendance challenges, it is our goal to create a program that will help keep youth out of trouble, off the streets, and foster positive interaction with caring adults and peers.
Location: Gene Lucas Community Center, 3000 Newburg Rd, Fortuna
Times: TBD
Online Referral Portal
For Attendance Council:
Step 1: Go over Consent Form
Step 2: Refer via Online Portal
YOUth Choose in Fortuna
PREVENTION PROGRAM FOR SUBSTANCE-USING TEENS
YOUth Choose in Fortuna is a FREE alcohol and other drug early intervention for young people.
2 interactive sessions are one-on-one with an adult facilitator. An additional session with a parent/guardian is optional. The program is voluntary or court mandated. Virtual or in-person. Anonymous and confidential. Referrals can be sent through email, the referral button below, or call (707) 617-8160. Youth and parents can also call on their own and self-refer. Sessions cover:
- Identifying resources and support
- Reflecting on decisions
- How to make positive changes through action plans
Location: Fortuna Teen Court Office, 922 N St (enter behind church on 10th) or Virtual
Times: by appointment
Parent Project
in Fortuna
Parent Project is a 10-week series for parents/guardians where we go over topics like improving family relationships, using effective discipline to improve school attendance and performance, reduce substance use and negative peer influences, and how to address destructive behavior. It is an opportunity to meet with other parents in similar situations in a judgement free zone and begin to develop a new support system. When you feel like you have tried everything and nothing is working, we can help.
When: 1-2 series per year on a weekday evening
Click on the links below to find out current information and schedule.
TEEN VOLUNTEERS in Fortuna
If you are in 8th-12th grade and interested in becoming a Fortuna Teen Court volunteer, you can email/text/call us about an opportunity to observe a hearing before making a commitment to apply. You can also just watch the orientation video to learn more, and then get in touch with us to ask any questions. Or do the 3 easy steps below and start volunteering right away!
3 Easy Steps to Start Volunteering:
You’ll still need to attend our 2-hour jury training when it is offered, typically held in the fall and spring. But you can start volunteering with us right now.
Raven Majors
Fortuna Teen Court
Coordinator
Raven was raised in California and graduated high school from Arcata High. She enjoys reading and writing and has developed an interest in crochet. Raven has been involved in the community with non-profits, such as Arcata House Partnership, as well as volunteering at the local elementary schools that her son attends.
As a mother, Raven sees the healthy development of children as a vital component of our society and has always wanted to make a positive difference with youth. She looks forward to the opportunities that the Boys & Girls Club of the Redwoods will provide in this regard, and hopes to steward the Fortuna Teen Court program to become an integral part of the support systems in the Eel River Valley.
Tiffany Gamez-Ramirez
Fortuna Teen Court
Assistant
Tiffany is a devoted mother of one, happily married to an Army Recruiter, and originally hails from the sunny state of Florida. Her heart belongs to the outdoors, where she finds solace and adventure. Known
for her selfless nature, she’s also a skilled cook and an explorer at heart. As a connoisseur of TV shows, she enjoys her leisure time but dedicates herself to volunteering, driven by a deep desire to make the Earth a better place for all.
Growing up as a troubled teen and witnessing the harsh consequences of her actions, she made a life-altering decision to turn her life around. Her deep desire is to lead Eel River Valley’s future onto a more positive path. She believes the most effective way to achieve this goal is by becoming a part of The Boys and Girls Club of the Redwoods Fortuna Teen Court Program, where she can use her experiences to guide and inspire the youth towards a brighter future.