New 'Teenager Intervention Program' Begins, Volunteers Sought

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From Douglas County Happenings Facebook

Douglas County District Attorney Brian Fortner has instituted a new program aimed at helping teenage non-violent first offenders get their lives back on the right track. It is a one-time second-chance opportunity to forge a positive future.

The “Teenager Intervention Program” is open to teens ages 14 - 20 who committed non-violent, non-aggressive felonies, such as shoplifting, that did not result in physical injury to a victim. The Program is an alternative to criminal prosecution, and offers the first offender a chance to have his/her record expunged upon successful completion of the program requirements.

Participants in the program must pay a fine and any restitution, as well as perform 50 hours of approved community service. They must also go through counseling/treatment sessions and report weekly over a six-month period to the District Attorney’s Office.

Each participant will also have a volunteer mentor from the Douglas County community, and volunteer mentors are needed. A mentor will interact weekly for a minimum of four hours per month with the assigned program participant. The mentor and teen will meet in person at least twice each month. Mentors should be a listening ear for the participants as well as a voice of wisdom. Mentors can help the mentee with personal/professional development, life skills, advice, and counsel. Schedules are flexible.

There is an immediate need for 8 mentors.

For more information about the TIP and becoming a mentor, please contact Assistant District Attorney Christina Peterson, Program Coordinator, at 770.920.7292 or pretrialdiversion@co.douglas.ga.us.