Case Explained: 14 youth offenders entered Woodburn’s Teen Court program in 1st year – Legal Perspective

14 youth offenders entered Woodburn’s Teen Court program in 1st year

Published 2:09 pm Friday, January 30, 2026

A year after its launch, Woodburn’s Teen Court program is beginning to make an impact.

The program — which allows first-time, nonviolent youth crime offenders to have their records expunged if they take responsibility for their crimes — was utilized by 14 teenagers from Woodburn, Gervais and Aurora in 2025.

As of the end of 2025, one teen from the Woodburn Teen Court program has had their record expunged, with the remaining 13 youth participants expected to have their records expunged when they turn 18. Under Marion County policy, youth records cannot be expunged until offenders turn 18.

The teen court program was first introduced in Woodburn after the school district, city and police department noted increases in in-school suspensions, drug activity around school campuses, vandalism and gang-affiliated violence with local youth.

“In the years following the pandemic, communities across the country have seen changes in youth social and family dynamics — and Woodburn has been no exception. Middle school – aged youth, in particular, experienced increased challenges as isolation, disruption and stress manifested in concerning behaviors,” the city said in a statement.

Because of this rise in youth transgressions, members of local government, as well as school and law enforcement officials, formed a committee to come up with ways to address this issue, which led them to the peer court program.

What is teen court?

The “teen” or “peer” court program was started by the nationwide Boys & Girls Clubs and serves youth ages 12-17 who have committed a first-time, nonviolent offense.

In teen court, a jury of teenagers, with the guidance of a volunteer legal professional, determine an act of contrition like community service or a handwritten letter to a victim, for the youth offender to complete and allow the offender to have their record expunged.

The program does not change how law enforcement operates, so police have continued to cite youth crimes regularly. However, after the citation has been issued, it will be brought to the juvenile department, which will look at each case and determine if it is a candidate for the teen court.

If the crime is nonviolent, such as petty theft, vandalism, or minor in possession, the juvenile department will most likely refer the case to the peer court.

Once the case has been referred to the teen court, the Boys & Girls Club will begin to work with the teenager and their family on the case. Only If the youth and their family are willing to take responsibility for the crime can they enter the teen court, as accountability is a significant part of the program.

Once the youth responsible for the crime has completed their court-ordered sanction, their record will be expunged.

“These programs are only possible through collaboration,” the city said in a statement. “Together, we are building safer spaces, stronger connections, and brighter futures for our community.”