The city of Surprise is recruiting new members for the Surprise Youth Justice Project.

SYJP is comprised of high school students committed to increasing the availability of restorative justice opportunities for teens.

In partnership with Maricopa County and Surprise City Court, students participate in Teen Court, a diversion program for juvenile offenders.

Teen Court allows the actions of juvenile offenders to be assessed by a jury of their peers who then decide on the appropriate steps the offender must take to repair the harm they have caused. These practices effectively resolve conflict, deter future offenses and allow the offender to take responsibility for their actions without permanent stigmatization.

Program orientation will take place on Monday, Aug. 26 at the Surprise City Court. The program runs through April 2025.

Applicants must be current high school students residing in Surprise or attending a Dysart or other high school in the city.

Applicants must be able to attend meetings, conducted as Teen Court sessions, from 3 to 5 p.m. on the fourth Monday of every month. Exceptions will be made for city holidays.

To apply, applicants must submit answers to the questions below via email to kara.poling@surpriseaz.gov.

1. What is your name, grade and high school you attend?
2. Why do you want to be a part of this project?
3. What do you believe justice is?
4. What role should justice play in our community?

A parent or guardian must also complete the Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Department Teen Court Program application.

Space is limited, so pre-registration is encouraged.

For information, visit surpriseaz.gov/YouthJustice.

For questions, contact Kara Poling at 623-222-1647, or email kara.poling@surpriseaz.gov.