PARKERSBURG - Wood County Juvenile Drug Court continues to offer alternative sentencing for youths with substance abuse problems.
Since its inception in November 2010, the program has accepted 11 juvenile offenders and has a capacity for 30.
A team comprised of probation officers, behavioral specialists, law enforcement, school officials, youth day report officials and court officials guide juvenile offenders though a four-phase program designed to prevent further drug and alcohol abuse.
Juvenile Drug Court Judge Darren Tallman said the program has had some dramatic successes, but it is still brand new.
"We've had our growing pains and we learn as we go," said Tallman. "This is the first program of its kind in Wood County, and I think it will be around for quite a while."
The program, developed under the West Virginia Supreme Court, is geared toward offenders ages 10 to 17 who have been assessed as having serious substance abuse problems.
Once admitted into the in-home program, the youths undergo random drug screenings, individual and group therapy, community service and frequent check-ins at the youth Day Report Center. Parents must participate in therapy sessions.
The in-home program as an alternative to a residential treatment center is cost-effective, saving thousands of dollars in taxpayer money, officials said.
The program can take from seven to 10 months to complete. If a juvenile successfully completes the program, he returns to court and the case might be dismissed.
Judy Stephens, drug court probation officer, said teen drug use is on the rise, with prescription drug and synthetic drug abuse becoming more common.
A survey taken by drug court participants revealed the average age of first substance abuse to be 12. Nearly 80 percent of offenders reported marijuana as the most common first drug used.
"Quite honestly, I think I was blown away by the drug use being reported by kids," Stephens said.
The success of an offender in the program is measured by many factors. Stephens said behavioral changes and clean drug tests are the most obvious indicators of success.
"We see if they are functioning well in school and at home, if they are getting better grades, joining extracurricular activities and opening themselves up to community service opportunities," said Stephens. "I think most of these kids aren't used to having so many people pulling for them and wanting them to succeed. Our team really cares about their future."
Juveniles in the program stay on track with immediate rewards for good behavior and sanctions for bad behavior. Rewards may come in the form of gift cards and constant encouragement from the treatment team, while sanctions could include home confinement, restricting curfew or confiscating cell phones.
Since the program began last year, one youth has graduated. Stephens said more will graduate.
"Each student graduates when they are ready. They are on their own individual journeys," she said. "Our ultimate goal is to reach more kids, get more into the program.
