Teen Court Board

Members

Duane Baker, Holland Christian Liaison

Ramon Soto-Lopez, Ottawa County Sheriff's Office

Lena DelReal, Member-at-Large

Mark Geister, Holland High Liaison

Shawna Baum, Ottawa County Court

Larry Matzen, Holland Police Department

Veronica Salazar, Member-at-Large

Derek Dalman, Member-at-Large

Vern Helder, Teen Court Coordinator

Connor Carillo, Student Representative

Diamante Balcazar, Student Representative

Tracy Hernandez, Member-at-Large

Damian Hernandez, Member-at-Large

Joe Soto, Holland Public Safety

Esther Fifelski, Director, Human Relations Department, City of Holland

Overview

Holland Teen Court (HTC) was founded in 1991, when Holland City officials and citizens had a vision to launch a Youth Justice System that would empower young people to be leaders in their community. Holland Teen Court was designed to provide youth with the necessary tools to demonstrate the power they have, individually and collectively, to influence others and make positive changes in their own lives and in their community.

Vision

This vision was shared with:

City and county law enforcement agencies
City, county and state government officials
The Chamber of Commerce
Members of the Ottawa County Bar Association
County and District court officials
Clubs and agencies with a vested interest in the community
Holland area school officials

The shared vision and "Army" of Teen Court volunteers continue to empower young and not-so-young people as we enter the 21st Century.

Dispelling Misconceptions

Through the involvement of volunteers and defendants in the HTC program, youth have dispelled the misconception that adolescents are incapable of being responsible, being accountable for their wrongdoing, making appropriate decisions, or handling any type of independence.

It is hoped that the Holland Teen Court will interrupt developing patterns of criminal behavior by promoting feelings of self-esteem, motivation for self-improvement, and development of a healthy attitude toward authority. HTC challenges youth to perform at their highest level of ability. It places a high priority on educating young people regarding their responsibilities as individuals, family members and citizens.

Feedback

We invite you to explore the variety of information and resources found on this Holland Teen Court website and encourage you to share your own experiences with Teen Court/Youth Court programs. Any feedback is welcome as we continue to learn daily from one another.

Teen Court began in 1991 as a way to provide 1st time offenders from the City of Holland a chance to avoid a juvenile criminal record by being tried by their peers.