JUVENILE DRUG COURT ATTEMPTS TO NIP DRUG ABUSE IN THE BUD

Both in perception and reality, western Nevada County has reason to be
concerned about drug abuse among its youngsters, and the Juvenile Drug
Court is a promising step in the right direction.

A recent survey of Nevada County residents conducted on behalf of United
Way found that drug and alcohol abuse is viewed as one of the most serious
problems we face. Some 91 percent of those surveyed said substance abuse is
either a very significant or somewhat significant issue for the community.
That's up from 85 percent who answered the same way just two years ago.

The same study found this: Of those admitted to county facilities for drug
and alcohol treatment, 76 percent began using drugs and alcohol when they
were less than 18 years old.

Juvenile arrest records continue the disturbing picture. In 2000, 66 Nevada
County juveniles were arrested on misdemeanor charges involving marijuana.
Seven juveniles were arrested on felony charges involving marijuana and
other drugs. The numbers vary from year to year, but dozens of our
youngsters unfailingly are arrested on drug charges annually.

Even among adults who take a casual attitude toward drug and alcohol use,
teens' drug use should be troubling.

The new Juvenile Drug Court, which will be launched in December, takes a
very smart approach to the problem. It recognizes that drug use is not
solely a criminal matter, and it recognizes that drug problems often need
the involvement of the entire family.

Kids sentenced to drug court will be require to attend school and
counseling sessions and pass regular screening. Their parents also must be
involved in counseling and treatment sessions.

The threat of punishment remains. Failure can send participants to Juvenile
Hall.

But the threat is accompanied by hope - the hope that a year of sobriety
will give teens a better chance to get their feet on the ground.

The alternative - routinely losing dozens of our kids a year - is nearly as
wasteful as drug abuse itself. The courts under the leadership of Judge Al
Dover are to be applauded for taking the steps to save potentially wasted lives.