WKD Associate Tyson Moss Making A Difference

Tyson Moss, WKD Associate, is making a difference in our community. Tyson has volunteered for the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court Teen Court Program, a diversion program for nonviolent juvenile offenders, since 2019 and was recently featured on WDSU for their work.

In the Teen Court program, volunteer teens participate in peer-to-peer decision-making for youth who violate the law. The volunteers serve as judges, attorneys, and jurors. Teen Court focuses on restorative justice with the goal of reducing recidivism amongst participants. Volunteers and participants determine fair, constructive sentences, such as serving in their community and future teen court sessions, attending educational programs and skill-building workshops, and writing apology letters.

Teen Court benefits all participants, providing positive leadership experience in the courts and meaningful second chances. According to the Juvenile Court, Teen Court is helping prevent second offenses. Since 2019, about 200 kids have participated in the program, and only one has been rearrested.

Tyson’s inspiration for volunteering is to help local kids find their way forward. He shares “It feels amazing, not only to give back but to be in a place where we are fighting for the community. We are here setting an example, offering second chances, and fighting for the kids of New Orleans."

Learn more about Teen Court and keep in touch.