Steve you got it for the most part. Their pending charges are wiped out, not their whole record. But like I said these are usually the charges that is going to take them out of the house or send them away for a while. Your other question about a one shot deal, yes. Once they have been through the program whether they graduate, kicked out, or take themself out thats it. They will never have that chance again.
This program is new but I would be willing to bet someone is going to try and work the system some how, some way.
Essentially we're talking about the kids that have a history of drug/alcohol abuse only with repeat offenses. These kids are being offered a means of getting help and should they choose to accept this help have an opportunity to wipe the slate clean upon completion of a program. Am I getting that right? Is this a one shot deal? If they go through a program and become a repeat offender after that are they able to go through the same process?
IMO this looks like a nice alternative. There's a sense of compassion for the kids through the process and I'd be willing to bet that compassion goes along way with a lot of them. I'm sure there's always going to be those that would prefer to buck the system.
Thanks for the info Rocko.
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
If the Juvenile doesnt want to go to Drug Court, they would would continue on with the juvenile process. They would have their informal or formal hearing. If found guilty they will get probation, whether it be supervised or unsupervised, sent to a juvenile facility, or any other options juvenile supervisor have. Most of the kids that have the option for Juvenile Drug Court, have their backs to the wall at that point. These are not kids with their first or second IC or IP however you want to look at it. These are kids with an addiction problem. The DC will not take juvenile's with felony offenses or violent crimes.
I know you touched on this question a little earlier Rocko, if they both decide to go, I can certainly see the benny's, but could you explain what happens when the decision is made not to attend? I've done some more research and it's pretty cut and dried as far as I'm concerned.
-- Edited by Steve Powell at 09:20, 2008-05-10
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
Lonewolf--your right about sending kids its a good and bad deal, this gives them one last option. Like I said in my other post, the decision is for the juvenile and their parents, and both must agree to go through the Drug Court program. If they make the decision to go they obviously want some help. As far as the juvenile record, in most cases yes it goes away when you turn 18. With the exception of serious offenses commited and depending on other circumstances.
i guess i misunderstood the statement. thanks, yup something is better than nada. lonewolf, congrats on cleaning up. i havent had "adult beverages" for more than a few years now either, life is good, and even better for myself w/out the hangovers.
Can I just add? Doing something is better than doing nothing. I think that's a quote by Confucious or something. Or perhaps I quoted that because I'm always Confused...err...something.
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
I did read the article in the paper, Im not sure what to think of it. I think it could be a good idea, getting the kids the help they need, but some kids just cant be reached, and I know for a fact that sending a kid to home on range might not be the best thing to do, some come out worse then they went in, some get scared straight. I just think that getting the kids the help they need might be best rout. I was a troubled teen, was sent to Pine Hills in Montana, didn't do a bit of good, kept getting in trouble, two years later my probation officer threatened me if I didn't go to rehab, he would lock me up till I was 18. I chose the rehab and it helped allot!! Stayed out of trouble, quit drinking and using drugs, I now drink on occasion, but don't want anything to do with drugs.
And wont the kids juvy record get erased when they turn 18?? I know if someone doesn't want to be helped, you cant force them, threaten all you want but cannot force.
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My father worked in profanity the way other artists might work in oils or clay. It was his true medium, a master.
These juveniles usually dont have any structure in their life and are raised by a single parent.
Bruce you were an exception to the rule!!! lol
I didnt say all juveniles had to be from a single parent environment. There are several single parents out there raising great kids. There are many parents together that cant raise kids, and some that do wonderful jobs at raising them. A parent is not going to get arrested if your kid is truant here. That juvenile would have an option to go to Drug Court unless there were some drug or alcohol addictions. It is what it is. Nothing is going to change in the Juvenile Drug Court and its all over the nation. I went to a conference for this last year. There were 3500-4000 around the nation that are involved in this. I am going to go off a limb here, but I am guessing California has both a juvenile Drug Court and a adult Drug Court.
It's great in theory, but it opens all kinds of doors. Now, please don't get me wrong but, I lived in California for 10 years and I've see what starts out as a good thing leads into something more. FYI in Kern Co, Ca if your child is truant you can be arrested for it. They consider it neglect. So, if a child skip school the parent can go to jail! Believe it or not. Look it up if you don't. This is why I vote NO. It always leads to something else. And single parents are not the only ones who have problems. I know plenty of single parents who have raised great children and are productive in socitey. So, I'm sorry Rocko, my friend, but I have to vote no.
I guess I didnt see the article in the newspaper the other day about the drug court, but I can tell you this. These juveniles dont have to participate in the program if they dont want to. The parents or guardians are part of the decision too. The short and skinny on this, is a juvenile that has drug or alcohol problem and who has charges pending on them can make those charges disappear if they complete the Drug Court program. Typically these juvenile are on the verge of getting "sent" to Home on the Range or a similar facility. No one loses their birthday if they screw up and parents dont go to jail he their son or daughter because they used. These juveniles usually dont have any structure in their life and are raised by a single parent. The Drug Court members are a resources for them to help them get over their addictions and be successful in the future. If you have any more questions about the program let me know and I will try an answer them for you. Rocko
Whats going on here now?? Did I miss something??? I think maybe it would be better to try and get the kid some help. If you look at the cost, tax payers would not only have to pay for the parent to be in jail, but also the children to be in foster homes.
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My father worked in profanity the way other artists might work in oils or clay. It was his true medium, a master.
NO WAY IN HELL EVER!!! There is noway I will allow the Government to tell me whats "best" for my child!! So, if your child happens to be an addict...what then? If your child "uses" the parents go to jail? Lockem up is what the the Government is trying to do!!! NO fricken way!!! I will fight this to the limit!!! Talk about violation of Rights! Give me a Break!!!
