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.