YOUTH DRUG COURT WOULD BENEFIT AREA

Drug courts A youth drug court in Forrest County would be a great
companion to the adult drug court created earlier this year by
Forrest-Perry Judge Bob Helfrich.

THUMBS UP THUMBS UP: To Forrest County Youth Court Judge Mike McPhail,
who is taking the necessary steps to establish a youth drug court in
Forrest County.

This is significant, especially when you consider there are only two
youth drug courts in the entire state.

McPhail was part of a select group of 10 people who participated
recently in a drug court planning initiative sponsored by the National
Council of Juvenile and Family Courts and the federal government.

All McPhail needs at this point is funding.

Thankfully, money may soon become available as a result of a new law -
approved by the 2004 Legislature and effective July 1 - that generates
funds for drug courts by assessing additional fees for some criminal
offenses.

The state has begun setting aside these funds and will be distributing
them - through the Administrative Office of Courts - to select
judicial districts.

McPhail's preparation makes Forrest County a prime candidate to
receive funding.

Adams County Youth Court Judge John Hudson, who operates one of the
two youth drug courts in Mississippi (the other is in Madison County),
praised McPhail's efforts to establish a youth drug court in Forrest
County.

"He's been a leader and an innovator in the juvenile justice system
since he's been on the bench," said Hudson.

A youth drug court would be a great companion to the adult drug court
created earlier this year by Forrest-Perry Judge Bob Helfrich.