EXPANSION OF DRUG PROGRAM PROPOSED

Ventura County supervisors may expand a drug diversion program to include
juveniles who have not been caught with illicit substances.

Probation officers will work with school officials to crack down on chronic
truants and other low-level offenders who may be on the path to illegal
drug use.

Money for the $611,000 program comes from federal grants. Supervisors will
vote on the expansion at today's board meeting. At least 45 youths a year
are steered into intensive substance-abuse counseling as part of the
county's Juvenile Drug Court. Dozens more who have not committed crimes
would be tracked at schools under the proposed expansion.