INTRODUCTION

Everyone involved with the National Teen Courts of America And Teen Clubs of America, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, and all of its affiliates should be knowledgeable with all of the information enclosed. Most of the teenagers involved with the National Teen Courts of America And Teen Clubs of America, Inc., will have a working knowledge of the court system. It would be advisable for everyone to know at least as much as the teenagers that we are trying to help, teach, and guide.

The National Teen Courts of America And Teen Clubs of America, Inc. was founded and started by Sir Richard D. Weaver and Earl H. Guptill of San Antonio, Texas. They are the National Executive Administrators of the Organization and all its programs. They started the program as a not-for-profit organization and funded its operations by donating their own private funds and time to it.

I. PURPOSE

This handbook has been prepared to provide guidance for volunteers, staff and advisors, nationally and internationally, of the National Teen Courts of America And Teen Clubs of America, Inc., a not for profit organization (hereafter TCA² or TCA² - some agencies cannot write ² in any form other than 2. The term is written as an equation and pronounced as "TCA squared." The organization's name has 2 Ts, 2 Cs, and 2 As as a result of combining two organizations in one and we feel it is the formula for success needed by teenagers). The terms staff, advisors and volunteers shall hereafter be referred to as volunteers. Additionally, it is further understood that volunteers may provide either direct or indirect service to TCA², depending on the time and inclination to fill regular or special assignments in TCA². All references to gender is written in the male mode, however, bother genders are equally implied, unless a specific reference is made under specific conditions to a particular gender. Volunteers and the teenagers/youths (hereafter teenagers and youths refer to one and the same) and community they serve are chosen without regard to race, sex, creed, national origin or other cultural, financial, or economic differences.

All volunteers are to be issued on loan a handbook which is to be signed for and returned at such time as the volunteer is no longer associated with TCA² either voluntarily or otherwise. Suggestions for changes are always welcomed, however, be informed that they may or may no be accepted. Such suggestions should be in written form whenever possible and submitted to the National Executive Staff directly or indirectly through the chain of command. Any questions or problems that may arise may be directed in writing (depending on their importance) to the National Executive Staff directly or indirectly. Any questions on official policies or procedures may be directed in writing to the National Executive Staff directly or indirectly.

The procedures applicable to TCA² volunteers have been compiled in this handbook and guide for the smooth operation of TCA². It is imperative that this hand book be used to assist in providing services to the youths under the care, guidance, direction, and influence of TCA². All volunteers shall comply with TCA² policies and procedures for delivering services to TCA² youths, associates, and communicating with TCA² staff or third parties.

II. PROGRAM POLICY STATEMENT

TCA²'s basic goal of helping teenagers to become responsible young adults through general education, law-related education, job-related education, guidance, counseling, leadership, mentorships and other programs must be accepted for the benefit of our Nation's youth and requires the encouragement of local citizens within TCA².

In order to accomplish the everyday task of normal growth and development of youths, they need a great range of positive relationships with people around them - their families, young and older role models, friends, and others. They also have a need for a wide spectrum of knowledge attained through experience from learned conditions. TCA² believes that the life of youths may be enhanced through the combined efforts of not only the government and other agency sectors, but through family, friends, and community residents, both business and civic. This can be accomplished by increasing the quality and quantity of experiences available to them. Volunteers are not expected to take over the responsibility of family members, or paid staff members of various government or agency sectors, however, they can compliment, amplify, extend and enhance the services available to youths.

The volunteer concept of TCA² was placed into operation in 1989. Prior to implementation, it was determined that the volunteer system played a significant role in the total system of services available for youths who have either been : 1) in trouble with the law; 2) doing well in society and wished to grow even more; or 3) given an opportunity to make their dreams come true.

Teenagers need personal relationships that can help them find their way as responsible, productive and mature adult citizens in our democratic society. These relations are provided by the special talents, expertise, and time that volunteers can provide and often times when the state, other agencies, or families cannot provide them.

In 1984, the federal class action case Morales vs Turman attained an agreement approved by the federal courts which stated in relevant part: "The Agency shall take steps to expand the use of volunteers....Volunteers shall be utilized to expand students' opportunities for educational and recreational experiences, to provide students with increased social interactions and to assist students, as appropriate...." The clear emphasis hers is a well recognized importance of the need and use of volunteers in working with youths in our schools, community, special projects or organizations. The value is further increased when recognizing that it comes at no expense to taxpayers.

III. TCA² OVERVIEW

The responsibility of TCA² is to help youths become responsible, productive, and mature adults that will become role models under our American Democratic way of life as defined in our United States and Individual State Constitutions.

The programs of TCA² are designed for youths in need of: 1) role models; 2) help to stay within the laws accepted by our society; 3) further help in moving forward in their goals to reach their American dreams. The programs are designed to provide every opportunity possible that will serve the individualized and particular needs of every youth associated with TCA² which will further facilitate his acquisition of basic academic and vocational career development and interpersonal skills.

In various states throughout the country, programs such as Teen Courts and Law-Related Education Program which are all part of TCA² have been authorized or used under various governmental and agency guidelines, procedures, or laws. In Texas, the use of Teen Court Programs, for example, for the purpose of providing a deferred adjudication program to teenagers that have been found guilty, plead guilty or nolo contendre (no contest) of violating the law may have their law violations dismissed upon successful completion of the Teen Court Program. Such programs (in Texas) are authorized under the Texas Criminal Code and the Texas Family Code.

IV. TCA² MISSION

The primary mission of the TCA² Program is the involvement of youths in the total life of not only the local community, but the global community, as well. TCA² has developed and continues to work toward development of systems that meet the academic prerequisites of higher education, the work force needs of business, and the general needs of a free society. This may be accomplished by stressing the importance of staying in school, meeting and surpassing competency school standards, and pursuing life long education beyond high school for the purpose of being able to compete in a global market.

Secondly, and just as important, it is the need to guide teenagers into continued or more acceptable behavior of the American society. Up to 95% of inmates being housed, fed, and generally cared for at taxpayers expense are illiterate. As the United States and particularly Texas, approaches the 21st Century, they are becoming more and more dangerously vulnerable than ever before due to the possibility that there may not be enough people with the education and skills to keep our standard of living at the levels we have become accustomed to due to the possible inability for global economic competitiveness. The approach and attitude toward the importance of educating our teenagers must be second rate to none, otherwise, the future will look bleak to the youths of today, thereby causing more and more of them to unacceptable and illegal behavior.

Involvement of teenagers in our communities' acceptable lifestyles must be vigorously promoted. They may take the role of social, sports, academic, entertainment and other functions. The normal growth and development of teenagers must be enhanced through a wide range of activities. Volunteer role models and others must be established for the purpose of providing relationships that can guide youths into becoming more responsible citizens. Opportunities for employment, academic excellence, vocational training, job-related education, law-related education, counseling, and much more must be provided.

V. WHY AND HOW TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER

In addition to providing a source of self satisfaction, self-worth, self-esteem, etc., volunteers provide much needed and valued services. They can provide direct services, such as tutoring, counseling, job training, advise, and much more. They can also provide indirect services such as fund raising, education, clerical, and much more. Volunteers provide and facilitate a bridge and communication between the community, its resources, the teenagers, the residents, and TCA².

A caring and giving person interested in becoming a volunteer completes an application and undergoes an interview and an investigation. If accepted as a volunteer, the individual is expected to join as a member of TCA² and pay annual dues as appropriate. The volunteer's dues help to compensate various costs identified with working with a volunteer, the teenagers served by the volunteer, and further exemplifies the volunteer's willingness to support the TCA² Program. The volunteer will receive a great deal training and experience over the entire period of involvement. There will be a great deal of self-satisfaction attained by the individual volunteer in addition to recognition by TCA² of the volunteer.

The volunteer will complete orientation and training before being assigned to a specific volunteer task/duty/responsibility, if the volunteer accepts the volunteer position and is suitable for it.

VI. LEGAL ASPECTS

CONFIDENTIALITY Information concerning a youth involved or associated with TCA² is confidential as a matter of law. Since, under the law, volunteers may be considered "professional consultants" to TCA², they, at times, may receive confidential information to enable them to better work with a teenager. Volunteers are expected to carefully protect the legal confidentiality of the information they receive, just as staff is required to protect confidential information. This confidentiality includes any and all procedures, policies, operations, training, and documents that pertain to TCA². A non-disclosure agreement must be signed by all volunteers before commencing to assist as a volunteer and before training even starts.

LIABILITY OF INJURY TO TEENAGERS A person undertaking control and watching over a teenager, even without compensation, becomes personally responsible for injury or harm to the teenager through his negligence or purposeful intent. This is true despite the person's undertaking being purely voluntary. Therefore, a volunteer supervising a teenager has the duty to use all reasonable care to protect the youth from injury. No single adult shall remain alone in closed quarters with a youth to prevent any possible injury and even the possible allegations of mistreatment or other abuse.

LIABILITY COVERAGE FOR TRAVEL TCA² expressly forbids the transportation of teenagers associated or involved with TCA² before and after functions. TCA² provides no coverage for such travel. Any person transporting such teenagers does so at their own risk and liability. In addition, the termination of such volunteer is effective immediately upon the teenager being asked to enter the volunteer's vehicle. Once the teenagers enters the former volunteer's vehicle, the former volunteer may be subjected to criminal charges, civil lawsuits, embarrassment, loss of friendships, loss of regular job, and other problems.

Two by Four Level Leadership The program requires that a minimum of two adult volunteers be in charge of the youths at any one time. Unfortunately, an emergency can occur in which a teenager or an adult must leave. For this reason, a minimum of five adult leaders must be present. In this manner, if an adult volunteer leaves there are still four adults. If an emergency occurs in which medical attention is required to be given to a teenager and an adult is required to drive the teenager to a medical facility then two adults must go together. This situation would still leave two adults in charge of the remaining teenagers. There must be a minimum of 2 adults of the same gender, for obvious reasons.

Therapeutic Instrumentations for Recognition One of the most therapeutic instrumentations for assisting teenagers to attain self-worth, self-esteem, confidence, etc., is the recognition of outstanding accomplishments in any activity. TCA² will, therefore, from time to time photograph, videotape or report on the individual or group accomplishments, activities, achievements, etc., however, such recognition will be done as the teenager's role as a member of TCA² and not as a referred case to TCA². Additionally, TCA² requires written permission of each youth and his parents, managing conservator, guardian, or individual prior to the use of such photographs or material., etc.

VII. COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

TCA² recognizes the responsibility for keeping the general public informed of TCA²'s activities, and supports and encourages open communication with citizens. Inquiries of a general nature about TCA² or about TCA² matters or issues should be referred to the National Executive Staff or their delegated representatives. Particular inquiries about local matters or about a specific program should be referred to the local Director or the National Executive Staff or their delegated representatives. Under no circumstances should volunteers release information to the media or general public without specific permission from the National Executive Staff. Confidential information will not be released under any circumstances. Volunteers may release information that is available in brochures specifically prepared for the general public, including flyers, leaflets, public releases, etc., that has already been pre-approved by the National Executive Staff.

In addition, there is an open door policy with regard to questions or issues from concerned volunteers. Volunteers may communicate directly with the National Headquarters regarding general or special issues or problems. It is recommended that volunteers search for answers to their questions in their handbook first. If their concerns are not addressed in the handbook or by other staff members on local levels, volunteers may feel free to communicate directly with the National Executive Staff.

Volunteers are encouraged to suggest program changes and voice concerns about TCA² programs directly to superiors or directly to the National Executive Staff.

There is a "Silver Whistle Blower Policy" that encourages the confidential reporting of known problems. Problems may be addressed directly to the National Executive Director for appropriate action and investigation. No one reporting problems in good faith shall be subjected to any form of discipline, harassment or ridicule. Any one receiving such treatment, would only need to report the mistreatment act(s) and the party committing the act(s) to receive immediate attention and corrective measures. This policy is effective and placed ready for action as a means of communicating to volunteers that no individual will be tolerated that goes outside the rules, policies, and guidelines address in this handbook or elsewhere by means of updates or other communications. Without this strong policy of zero tolerance, volunteers might otherwise be afraid to act on matters that need immediate attention, especially where the safety and welfare of teenagers and others are involved.

VIII. RIGHTS OF THE TCA² VOLUNTEER

To be issued a TCA² Volunteer Information Guide and Handbook and official identification documents. To be assigned tasks that are challenging and worthwhile, with freedom to use existing skills and develop new ones. To be trusted with confidential information that will help him to carry out assignments. To be provided orientation, ongoing training and supervision for assigned tasks. To be informed about developments in TCA² on a need to know basis as well as of a general nature available to the public as a whole. To expect that his time will not be wasted by lack of planning, coordination, and cooperation with TCA². To know whether his work is effective and how it can be improved. To have the opportunity to increase his understanding of himself, others, and the community as a whole. To expect to receive constructive criticism from time to time as a means for growth. To expect and receive candid and appropriate recognition from time to time which may be relied on should he move to another job -paid or unpaid. To ask for assignments within or outside TCA². To declare allowable non-reimbursed out-of-pocket cost for Federal Income Tax purposes.

The Volunteer has the Right to expect immediate termination of use and involvement should the volunteer fail to meet or uphold TCA² standards, procedures policies, etc., through direct or indirect violations, be they intentional or negligent in nature.

IX. GUIDELINES FOR VOLUNTEERS

Warmth, trust, and respect are generally the keystones for working with teenagers. The volunteer's position is that of a friend mentor relationship. many teenagers have never had to face a situation they could not manipulate in some way. The Volunteer must be honest in dealing with teenagers. The teenagers will not receive effective support if they don't trust or respect the volunteers working with them. Volunteers will make and notice positive changes in teenagers when the teenagers realize that the relationship the volunteers are establishing are real and not just an act or game. The following guidelines are important in the general framework of volunteerism:

Be sure to discuss your role as a volunteer with supervisory staff before meeting with a teenager. Know the role's possibilities and limitations. In general, volunteer initiatives are encouraged, however, the role of the volunteer is not to be expanded, even unofficially, until the volunteer consults with supervising staff. Volunteers are not to take teenagers to their home, on trips, or even to a picnic, or give them money. Teenagers are not to be allowed to use telephones except in extreme emergencies. Generally the teenager's parents are responsible for the transportation of their children and should know the time to pick them up from facilities so that the need to use the phone by the teenagers to call parents for a ride should not be necessary.

Volunteers must define their position or role to the teenagers. Let them know that the volunteer is not there as an authoritative person, but rather as a friend mentor. Let the teenager know, however, that volunteers will report violations of rules, procedures, laws, necessary actions to appropriate TCA² staff members or representatives. Learn to know the teenager - not as your own child, your own student, or employee, but as an individual within his own rights. Learn and listen to his opinions, ideas, interests, problems and troubles for your knowledge of him in these areas will assist you in understanding him and his particular situations to better help him become a better and more successful person.

Remember to keep information confidential. Whatever you learn or surmise about a teenager is under no circumstances to be divulged to or discussed with anyone but a person authorized by TCA². Not even the fact that he is a referred case should be disclosed. Violations are not only unethical and illegal, they are the surest way to destroy a relationship with a teenager. Individuals causing violations will be subjected to termination.

It is said that it took God six days to make the earth and that He rested on the seventh day. Similarly, the volunteer will meet and work with teenagers on six different days and on a seventh day enjoy a social event such as a barbecue. For this reason, the volunteer should keep in contact with the teenagers during their entire time that they are associated with TCA². Reports are extremely important in keeping track with the teenager's progress. All documents pertaining to the teenagers are to remain in their files and not be taken away from TCA² sites. Files or documents taken home or to regular work may jeopardize the privacy of the teenagers and volunteers violating this rule will be terminated.

Give normal attention and affection to teenagers as fellow human beings, but be aware, however, that they may never have known attention and affection and may not know how to handle it in a normal way. When teenagers have lived negative experiences for years, they don't get corrected overnight. Indeed, under the TCA² program, positive changes in teenagers is often seen during the third and fourth week of involvement with TCA², however, the teenagers often leave the umbrella of positiveness of TCA² and return to living under the same conditions from which they came. In some cases, conditions continue to improve because the teenager has learned how to improve his own situation as a result of learning experiences in TCA². Positive long term impact may not have decisive effect for years after the volunteer has stopped working with the teenager. Don't' expect explicit thanks and gratitude from the teenagers or their parents. Some do not know how to express or communicate their feelings , or they may be embarrassed to show gratitude. In some cases, teenagers referred to TCA² will resent the volunteer despite the volunteer's role of helping friend mentor. Do not vent your frustrations and anger on the teenagers. Remember that the teenager does not owe us anything, but rather owe it to themselves. If you are having personal problems that may effect your ability to perform your volunteer role in a favorable manner, then report your inability to do so and remain at home, or simply away from TCA².

Avoid the problems associated with communication known as "talking at" a teenager or "not listened" to a teenager. Listening does not mean you have to agree or believe everything you hear. Teenagers, as many adults, have developed skills of manipulation for stretching the truth as a means of an effective lifestyle. It may be easier to "preach" or do most of the talking when working with a teenager. Chances are that the teenager has already been preached to and preaching is no longer an effective means of communication. Let the teenager be an important part of any conversation you have with him. The teenager may impress upon you that your values and standards are different from his. In some cases, they may be outdated. Without judging or condoning, think objectively in terms of the causes that established the teenager's values and standards. Check out facts whenever possible. If the facts do not check out, inform the teenager in a firm but kind manner of your discovery or knowledge.

Serve as a good behavior model and the teenagers will accept your role as a living role and not one that they have learned to be a double standard that they must follow, but not the adults around them. If your own dress, language and behavior is not a good standard, you can scarcely expect the teenager to set a higher standard than yourself. There is an old saying that the difference between a person that is a poor dresser and the person that dresses poorly is that the poor dresser may have expensive clothing, but they are tacky or mismatched, while dressing poorly simply means that the clothing may be simple, basic, inexpensive, or simply worn, but clean and provide the dresser with a good appearance. Teenagers have plenty of "bad models" already; give him a good one. Don't let the teenager down, even in apparently small things like being on time. If you can't show responsibility as a model for him, you cannot expect him to learn it for himself.

At all times while involved with TCA², volunteers are not to violate any laws, nor use profanity, vulgar language, sexual harassment, lie, steal, misuse property or private individuals, smoke, chew tobacco, drink alcohol beverages. In addition, volunteers are not in any way to communicate verbally or physically as a negative role model that portrays poor ethics and sub-standards of general humanity or sub-standards of TCA², particularly around teenagers.

Trust, respect, and friendship

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