Pubdate: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 Source: Messenger-Inquirer (KY) Copyright: 2002 Messenger-Inquirer Contact: http://www.messenger-inquirer.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1285 JUVENILE DRUG COURT MUCH-NEEDED PROGRAM The local prevention and legal communities have had nothing but high praise for the role the Daviess County drug court has played over the last two years in helping to combat the area drug problem. The program's effectiveness comes from its ability to address problems at the root -- through providing treatment and changing environments -- and not simply postponing the inevitable with incarceration. In hopes of building upon this success, a team of 10 people is working to institute a similar program for juveniles by early next year. Loosely based on the adult program, a juvenile drug court has the potential to provide immeasurable benefits to this community. Those working on the project deserve a lot of credit for dedicating their time and energy to a project that, as of now, is being put together on a strictly volunteer basis. With money tight in Frankfort, it's unlikely juvenile drug courts will receive state funds anytime soon. The group does, however, plan to apply for a $500,000 grant to help pay for the project for three years. But there is clearly room for more in this community, both among the public and local officials, to get behind the effort in some form or fashion. Organizers are looking for volunteers who will spend at least one day a week serving as a mentor to teen-agers. The juvenile drug court offers the opportunity to solve a problem before it becomes an addiction. Teen-agers between the ages of 13 and 17 who are charged with nonviolent offenses related to drugs, alcohol or tobacco, are placed in a treatment program, rather than sent to a detention center. Those admitted to the program will be required to complete a minimum nine-month treatment that includes mentoring, intense supervision, a 12-week support group for parents and follow-up visits after completion. Consider that a report released last week -- though some information was incomplete -- noted 28 percent of local teen-agers say they have tried marijuana, and nearly 50 percent say they have drank alcohol. This doesn't include other drugs such as ecstasy, Lortab and Xanax that prevention specialists say is also being used. If this area is to make a significant dent in the drug problem, those numbers need to be dealt with. There is significant evidence that sending teen-agers to juvenile detention centers is not the best way to address the issue. Studies show that, in some areas, the recidivism rate for juveniles is as high as 70 percent. That means that seven out of 10 juveniles who spend time in a detention center will end up behind bars again at some point. It makes sense when one considers the environment of any jail. If there is way to get kids help while still making them accountable, and without exposing them to this environment, it needs to be explored. Dedicated individuals have brought forth a much-needed idea, now community support is needed to help make it a reality. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth