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| County begins drug court for juveniles |
| By The Register-Pajaronian |
| Published: 12/29/2003 |
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While Santa Cruz (Calif.) County has made great strides in reforming its juvenile detention system in recent years, the county is now taking aim at improving its treatment of and services for young people who struggle with substance abuse. Just last week, the county held its first-ever session of juvenile drug court, a new multi-agency program that takes a supportive, treatment-based approach rather than a purely punitive one. The juvenile drug court, which has been in the planning stages for many years, recently became a reality, thanks to a federal grant that will provide roughly $166,000 a year for the next three years. "This is a great Christmas present for our young people as well as for our community," said Santa Cruz County District Attorney Bob Lee, who sits on the drug court committee. "It's great to have all of these individuals working together on this and - especially in these tough budget times - great that the money for this is coming in from outside the community." The money will go toward providing at least 25 young people each year with intensive outpatient drug treatment, case management, probation supervision, drug testing, repeated court appearances and a variety of counseling and other services like job training, tutoring and mentoring. It will also provide counseling for families, which play a critical role in the drug court model. The juvenile drug court, which is held every Thursday afternoon at the County Courthouse in Watsonville on Freedom Boulevard, also seeks to bring additional court services to the people of Watsonville - services that have been lacking for many years. "The program is largely focused on south county, but in no way will we restrict people from other areas from participating," said Bill Manov, county alcohol and drug program coordinator. The new program represents an important shift in the role the courts play and the goals of the justice system, Manov said. The juvenile drug court is based largely on the adult drug court, which has already been in existence in the county for years. But it is modified to meet the specific needs of young people and their families. It also depends on the collaboration of people and organizations including Judge Heather Morse, the District Attorney's Office, County Probation Department, the Public Defender's Office, the Criminal Justice Council, Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, the County Drug and Alcohol Program and the County Office of Education. Aside from weekly court visits, clients and their families will receive intensive counseling and treatment through PVPSA. As clients continue to progress, their court visits and restrictions will taper off. Harrison estimated that people would stay in the program anywhere from six to nine months or longer, if necessary. Since funding is tight and the program has a limited number of spots, only those young people who have a substantial history of abuse will be considered for eligibility. Judge Heather Morse said she's hoping the community will rally behind the program, specifically by providing jobs, positive activities, mentoring and volunteer opportunities for program clients. |
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