A Midlands youth was facing a charge of possession of marijuana. He went through a juvenile drug court where the presiding judge placed the youth in a drug rehabilitation program.

Failing to comply with the rules, the youth was brought before the judge again. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail.

“He’s in college now,” 1st Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe said of the youth.

That case was handled in Richland County in a drug court aimed specifically at juveniles.

On Friday, an agreement was announced between the 1st Judicial Circuit and the William J. McCord Adolescent Treatment Facility for such a court in Orangeburg County to handle cases involving juveniles ages 11 to 17.

“Thanks to the efforts of Mike and Richard in working with my office, Orangeburg County is getting a good Christmas present this year, a much-needed drug court program,” Pascoe said. “It’s been talked about for a long time, but today I am pleased to say it is finally a reality.”

Assessment of possible candidates for the new drug court will begin next month.

Present for the signing of the agreement Friday, McCord Director Mike Dennis and Executive Director Richard Fowler said it is estimated that 70 percent of the youths sent to the Department of Juvenile Justice will wind up in the Department of Corrections as an adult.

“This can provide an alternative to jail,” Dennis said, stating that one of the goals of the court is to reduce the number of inmates at DJJ. “We’re hoping it will get these kids in school. It’s going to help the parents, the parenting, of these kids. It’s not just a judicial standpoint.”

Pascoe said those accepted into the program will be required to return each week to court, where they will receive counseling from community leaders, judges and other role models.

“The program seeks to link delinquent youths to drug-treatment and other needed services, such as counseling and positive social activities,” he said. “The goal is to give children the structure and support they need to avoid further criminal behavior.”

Not all juveniles will qualify for the alternative program. But those committing a serious offense will still face a judge, possibly charged as an adult depending on the crime.

However, if it’s a first-time offense or the offense is considered minor, such as shoplifting or truancy, then the youth may be considered for drug court.

“The upside is that if they successfully complete it, they will go back to have their record expunged,” Dennis said. “That’s one of the incentives for the kids.”

The special court is funded by state legislation that has tacked on a $100 surcharge for all General Sessions court fines and forfeitures stemming from drug-related charges.

Officials say the most important goal of the court is to ultimately reduce overall crime by focusing on youthful offenders.

“If we are going to reduce crime, we have to start at its base by working with the children,” Pascoe said. “I’ve said it many times that we need a two-fold attack on juvenile crime — get tough on serious juvenile offenders while at the same time provide good diversion programs that will help steer other juvenile offenders away from a path of crime.”

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