The city of Surprise is on the lookout for new members to join the Surprise Youth Justice Project.

The group is comprised of sixth- through 12th-grade students who are committed to increasing the availability of restorative justice opportunities for teens.

Students will participate in Teen Court, a diversion program for juvenile offenders, through a partnership with Maricopa County and the Surprise City Court.

Teen Court allows a jury of peers assess a juvenile offenders’ actions. The jury then decides on the appropriate steps the offender must take to repair the harm they have caused.

These practices are meant to resolve conflict, deter future offenses and allow the offender to take responsibility for their actions without permanent stigmatization.

The program begins Monday, Aug. 25 with a group orientation at Surprise City Court, and it runs through April 2026.

Applicants must be current sixth- to 12th-grade students residing in Surprise or attending school or homeschool in the city.

All applicants must be able to attend meetings, conducted as Teen Court sessions, from 3 to 5 p.m. on the last Monday of every month (except on city-observed holidays).

Applicants must complete the Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Department Teen Court Program application and email it to kara.poling@surpriseaz.gov.

Applications are due by Wednesday, Aug. 20, and applicants will be notified of acceptance into the program by Friday, Aug. 22.

Visit surpriseaz.gov/YouthJustice.