EARLY INTERVENTION KEY IN STOPPING DRUG ABUSE

Illegal drug use in our community is an "insidious problem at crisis
levels" according the Judge Peter J. Garcia, 22nd Judicial District
Court. He further states that "eight out of 10 arrestees in St Tammany
test positive for drugs." Substance abuse problems do not magically
begin at age 18. Our young children are being exposed to illegal
substances at very early ages and they are showing up in drug court.

Judge Peter J. Garcia presides over both an Adult and Juvenile Drug
Court in St Tammany Parish.

I visited with Judge Garcia and asked him to share some of his views
on drug usage and how his drug court works.

According the Judge Garcia, about 36 percent of the drug court
population are under 18. They comprise the Juvenile Drug Court where
individuals charged with a violation of a statute of this state,
relating to the use and possession of any alcohol, illegal or
controlled substances.

Juvenile Drug Court provides a coordinated and supervised delivery of
support services necessary to address the problems that contributed to
the juvenile arrest. This includes substance abuse and mental health
treatment and education for the juvenile and their families.

Since the Drug Court movement began in 1995 research has shown that
there has been a substantial reduction in recidivism, improved family
functioning and greater scholastic achievement amongst
participants.

Judge Garcia has assembled a group of local social service, law
enforcement, education, and business leaders to find additional ways
to address the problem of underage drug use in St. Tammany Parish.

This coalition, known as the St. Tammany Adolescent Substance Abuse
Task Force, has started the process by suggesting new procedures that
will require any juvenile arrested or detained by law enforcement to
submit to a drug screening.

This is the current practice for adult arrestees. This will in some
cases provide early intervention to youth in danger of becoming
addicted to drugs.

One form of early intervention is a program offered by PRIDE called
"Second Chance."

This is an early intervention program that brings both a parent or
guardian with the youth to a series of educational classes conducted
over a six-week period.

This program is currently being offered to families of St. Tammany
Parish school children who are found in violation of a school drug
policy.

Judge Garcia's coalition is seeking to channel youth that test
positive for drugs under the new procedures into an appropriate
educational program or treatment as required. The Court will be
working with community agencies such as the Youth Service Bureau and
PRIDE to make this possible. It will be a coordinated effort between
law enforcement, the District Attorney's Office, the Judges of the
22nd Judicial District Court and social service agencies in our community.

Parents who want to be proactive can visit Judge Garcia's Drug Court
with their adolescent.

This can add a dose of reality to a youth that feels invincible.
Parents are also encouraged to call PRIDE of visit our website
info@preventionwithpride.org. for assistance with substance abuse issues.