The Douglas County Youth Initiative begins the new year with a discussion on "Teen Court Programs" on Friday, Jan. 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Commissioners' Conference Room at the Park Meadows Center, 9350 Heritage Hills Circle.

The discussion on "Teen Court Programs" will involve Teen Court Program Administrators, Sue Ratcliff of Parker and Karla McCrimmon of Castle Rock, who will provide information on the program and the benefits to local teens. Teen Court is an evidence-based intervention for juvenile offenders in which they face not only a jury of their peers, but also youth judges, prosecutors and defense counsel.

Visit www.douglas.co.us/humanservices/Youth_Initiative_Brown_Bag_Series.html for 2007 topics, dates and other Youth Initiative Information. The next 4-1-1 Brown Bag is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 23 regarding "What the Graduated Driver's License Laws Mean for YOU."

The Youth Initiative is a collaboration of Parker, Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Douglas County, Douglas County Libraries and the School District. Douglas County Youth Coordinator Carla Turner was hired to coordinate and enhance programs for all Douglas County youth. For more information about this program, please contact Turner at 303.688.4825 x5327.