I selected this website:  http://www.american.edu/justice/juvrptt.htm.  The website contains information on Juvenile Drug Courts that are operational and that are in the planning as for 1996.  The Juvenile Drug Court is very similar to the Adult Drug Court, for both are set up for first time offenders with nonviolent crimes.  The need for development of Juvenile Drug Courts is increasing and a lot of states are choosing to participate in the program.  The article includes twenty-one counties that participated in the survey.  It covers the population served, jurisdiction, and the organization of Juvenile Drug Courts.  The District Attorney is responsible for placing juveniles into the program, but the judge is the one running the show after they are placed into the program.  Marijuana and alcohol are noted as the most commonly used drugs. 

        A major difference between Juvenile and Adult Drug Courts is the participation of the family members.  Of course, this is not always by choice, for there are sanctions that require the parents or guardians to be an active participant in the program.  The Juvenile Drug Courts are designed to treat the family as a whole, but always keeping the well-being of the juvenile first.  The benefits of the program promote a better socioeconomic setting for the family and at the same time adds to the overall confidence in the juvenile justice system.  Intense probation is required for the program, but it does not deter the parents or guardians from calling, for they know that the juvenile will be treated fairly and not just locked up.  Like everything else, money is a factor in the development and in the continuance of the Juvenile Drug Courts.  There was some interesting advice that was given in the survey, “Just start:  anything is better than nothing”  (Planning IV 10).  This website provides a better understanding of the process that is required to initiate a Juvenile Drug Court.

Marilyn Sapp

10-25-00