Pubdate: Fri, 13 Feb 2004
Source: Herald, The (SC)
Copyright: 2004 The Herald
Contact:  http://www.heraldonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/369

SECOND CHANCE FOR TEENS

York County's troubled teenagers are getting a second chance, and that's 
good not only for them but for all county residents as well. Last week, the 
York County Juvenile Drug Court held ceremonies for its first two 
graduates. And the county also initiated a new alcohol diversion program, 
an alternative to criminal penalties for first-time offenders aged 17 to 20.

The drug court program is one of only a few in the state. It is financed by 
a three-year, $337,000 federal grant with a 25 percent match from the county.

Some prosecutors doubt the effectiveness of the program, which is similar 
to one established for adults in 2002. Young people who sign up must adhere 
to a strict regulations, including frequent drug tests, counseling and a 
rigorous treatment program to get them clean and help them stay that way.

The program can be the last resort before jail. But it also can be a ticket 
to a better life. If young offenders can be rehabilitated, that is a better 
outcome for both them and society. It means that instead of costly 
incarceration and a life lost to crime and drug dependence, these young 
people have a shot at being productive members of their community.

The alcohol diversion program is somewhat different in nature but similar 
in its goal of putting young people back on the straight track. Instead of 
being an option for those at the end of their rope, the alcohol diversion 
program is a second chance for those who have made their first big mistake 
with alcohol.

The program is open to underage offenders who have been charged with one or 
more of three crimes: Possession of an open container, possession of 
alcohol by a minor, or possession of fake identification. Violent offenses 
and drunken driving do not qualify.

As in drug court, the program is rigorous. First, those entering the 
program must pony up $600 to help defray the cost of staff to run the 
program. Then, participants must complete requirements, including community 
service, alcohol education, drug testing and other tasks.

So, what's the benefit of participating in the program? Those who 
successfully complete the program will have their criminal records 
expunged. They will be able to keep LIFE or HOPE college scholarships, 
which they would lose if they had merely pleaded guilty and paid the 
required fine. And they don't lose driving privileges, which also is a 
penalty of a guilty verdict.

This program resembles pre-trial intervention, which provides an 
alternative for young people who commit a broad range of nonviolent crimes. 
But the new alcohol diversion program deals specifically with alcohol 
offenses, which, unfortunately, are all too common among the eligible age 
group.

All these programs operate on the philosophy that providing young people 
with an alternative to jail or a criminal record, giving them a chance to 
turn their lives around and providing the resources and incentives for them 
to do that is preferable to just punishing them. We hope both programs 
thrive in the months and years ahead.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom