Juvenile Drug Court Serves
Community Well
To the Editor:
The citizens of Saint Mary’s County
are fortunate to have a Juvenile Drug Court Program in operation. Begun in the
Circuit Court in January 2004 by the Honorable Marvin S. Kaminetz, it is but one
of twelve in the state. For youth who abuse drugs and alcohol and break the law,
the juvenile drug court program may be their (and their families’) best chance
at turning their lives around. Many of the youth who enter the program are on a
downward spiral that is reflected in their behavior, mood, relationships,
education and family dysfunction. Through treatment, case management and court
intervention, many of our participants make the necessary adjustments that bring
about positive life changes. Most of the youth who successfully complete the
program in eight to twelve months do so by remaining in the community instead of
being in a residential treatment facility or youth center. From a financial
perspective this makes good sense. On average it costs $226.93 per day to house
a youth at a youth center. In contrast it costs on average $48.96 per day to
treat and supervise the same youth in the community.
Drug Courts are comprised of
individuals from a variety of agencies. In Saint Mary’s County our team is
comprised of individuals from the Circuit Court, States Attorney’s Office, Md.
Department of Juvenile Services, Public Defenders Office, Health Department,
School System, Walden-Sierra and Sheriff’s Department. As May is National Drug
Court Month, these agencies need to be acknowledged for their contribution to
the success of the program. We celebrated the month on May 6th. Due
to the kindness of the Mechanicsville Moose Lodge, we held a celebration that
included an awards ceremony, graduation (four participants graduated from the
program), a softball game between the youth in the program and the staff (the
kids won 11-10) and a cookout. The participants’ families were there and
everyone had a wonderful time. We look forward to continued success in the
future. Our success translates to youth in our community transitioning to
successful adulthood. Without the Juvenile Drug Court, many would continue down
the destructive path of drug abuse and criminal involvement. May certainly is a
time to celebrate. Just ask our graduates and their families.
Pete Cucinotta
Program Coordinator
Leonardtown
