About CARTEENS:

The Ottawa County 4-H CARTEENS program is a traffic safety program for first-time juvenile traffic offenders. In partnership with the Ottawa County Probate Court-Juvenile Division and local law enforcement, every other month a two-hour traffic safety education program is facilitated by 4-H teen members. The CARTEENS introduce guest speakers, lead group-learning activities focused on traffic safety and provide overall coordination of the session. A Juvenile Court representative and officer from the Heath Police Department provide materials resources and serve as guest speakers.

The 4-H CARTEENS program began in Ottawa County in April 2008. Over the past 2 1/2 years, more than 300 offenders have participated in CARTEENS. The program is offered the last Wednesday of each month, with an average attendance of 25 students at each session.

The CAR in CARTEENS stands for Caution And Responsibility, which is one of the objectives of the teen teachers. The program includes the following topics: drinking and driving, seat belt safety, insurance rates, peer pressure, safe driving tips, defensive driving and the consequences of unsafe driving. The program format utilizes visuals, videos, guest speakers, group discussions, statistics and an evaluation.

The 4-H CARTEENS Program Benefits the Community in Several Ways:

· Assists in reducing the number of second-time traffic offenders

· Develops leadership and public speaking skills in 4-H CARTEENS members who conduct the program

· Establishes network between juvenile court, law enforcement officials and the Ohio State University Extension 4-H Youth Development program

· Increases community awareness of the effects of drinking and driving

· Develops leadership and public speaking skills in 4-H CARTEENS members who conduct the program

· Establishes network between juvenile court, law enforcement officials and the Ohio State University Extension 4-H Youth Development program

· Increases community awareness of the effects of drinking and driving

Become a CARTEENS Facilitator:

If you would like to help educate your peers about traffic safety, improve your public speaking and presentation skills and want a great way to help your community, consider becoming a 4-H CARTEENS facilitator. Teens who are at least 15 years old and can commit to volunteering for three hours each month are welcome to learn more about becoming part CARTEENS. For more information, contact Kathy Booher at 419-898-3631 or email  at booher.9@osu.edu.

2011 Dates

January 26

March 30

May 25

July 27

September 28

November 30