Teen Court Board

Overview

Holland Teen Court (HTC) was founded in 1991, when Holland City officials and citizens had the 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.

Regular Meetings

4:00 p.m.
2nd Tuesday of every month
Holland City Hall
270 South River Avenue
Holland, MI 49423

Agendas & Minutes Agendas & Minutes Agendas & Minutes

Current Members

Vern Helder, Ottawa County Program Coordinator
Lena Del Real, Member-at-Large
Veronica Salazar, Member-at-Large
Derek Dalman, Ottawa County Probate Court Judge
Kim Rowan, Ottawa County Prosecutor's Office
Brandon Barthelemy, Ottawa County Public Defender's Office
Nicole Hamberg, Holland Public Safety
Jaslyn Campos, Student Representative, SY2025-26
Chaza Ben, Student Representative, SY2025-26
Amaris DeLeon, Student Representative, SY2025-26
Esther Fifelski, Director, Human Relations Department, City of Holland

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 the 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.