Pubdate: Mon, 18 Feb 2008
Source: Mississippi Press, The (MS)
Copyright: 2008 Mississippi Press
Contact:  http://www.gulflive.com/mississippipress/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2254

YOUTH DRUG COURT IS GOOD MOVE

The approval of a youth drug court in Jackson County is  an important
step forward in helping young people  straighten out their lives.

And, maybe the introduction of a youth drug court is  pointing to
success in the drug court program for  adults. The adult drug court is
relatively new. Drug  law offenders are given a choice to either go
through  the traditional court process or enter drug court.  Offenders
in drug court have a chance to stay out of  jail, obtain treatment for
their addiction and clear  their record. The drug court program is not
a free  ticket out of jail. Once drug law offenders are in a  drug
court program, they have to remain clear of drugs  or be sent back
into the traditional court system.

Youth Court Judge Sharon Sigalas said a number of the  cases that come
before her involve drug use. "We are  going to try to teach the
offenders different  approaches to handling things," she said. Parents
must  become involved in the program as the youth court tries  to
change habits.

The youth court program scheduled to begin in April is  for
first-time, non-violent offenders.

One goal is to try to help young people from advancing  to the adult
court system.

Jackson County supervisors approved the youth drug  court at a Feb. 11
meeting. A state grant will pay  $240,000 of the estimated $250,000
youth drug court  cost. The county pays initial costs and then is
reimbursed by the state about $6,000 per participant.  Even one
success story is likely to make the entire  program worthwhile.

Bringing parents and youngsters together in the court  system promises
an intense focus on solving the  problems faced by the youngsters. The
program presents  an opportunity to move juveniles into better lives.
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MAP posted-by: Derek