In Clayton County, Georgia, Judge Steven Teske saw a disturbing pattern: more and more students were being arrested in school for minor offenses like disrupting class or fighting. These arrests led to court appearances, probation, and in many cases, jail time. As a juvenile court judge, Teske realized the system was criminalizing normal teenage behavior—especially harming Black and Latino students and those with disabilities.
In 2003, Judge Teske decided to act.
He convened local police, school officials, and community leaders to form what would become a model juvenile diversion program. They agreed on a new approach: schools would stop referring students to court for minor infractions and instead offer in-school interventions like counseling, peer mediation, and family support.
The Results Were Remarkable:
- School arrests dropped by more than 80%.
- Graduation rates improved.
- The juvenile court system could now focus on youth with serious needs—offering rehabilitation instead of punishment.
What makes Judge Teske’s story so powerful is that he didn’t just enforce the law—he changed the system. He looked beyond punishment and believed in restorative justice,healing, and the idea that every young person deserves a second chance.Philosophical Lesson:
“Justice without compassion is blind. But justice with empathy builds bridges instead of walls.”
— Inspired by Judge Teske’s actions
Goforit 
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