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Thursday, March 23, 2006

Editorial: Coordinator Gave All to Teen Court


    It speaks highly of an individual's character when she says the toughest part of her job working with troubled teenagers is leaving it.
    Last week, Torrance County Teen Court coordinator Debbie Miera ended her six years at the court with that comment, and headed to Phoenix to be closer to family.
    In a mock trial set up by some of the youngsters Miera has mentored over the years, she was found "guilty" of caring more about teenagers than she does about herself.
    Teen Court is an alternative justice program for kids charged with misdemeanors. Instead of going through the juvenile justice system, accused teens can go to Teen Court, where they are tried and given a recommended sentence by other teens— some of whom have gone through Teen Court themselves.
    Sentences can range from community service to writing essays on topics selected by jurors.
    For many teenagers, Teen Court can be a turning point.
    Miera said she probably learned more from the teens she worked with than they learned from her— an opinion some Teen Court graduates might argue with.
    Lori Roberts, a former emergency medical technician who has known Miera since middle school, will take over as Teen Court coordinator. Roberts said maintaining the high standards Miera set for the program will be a lofty goal.
    Miera and the young people who have participated in Teen Court know it's a goal worth pursuing.