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.