Local service can help youth overcome drugs

A number of youth are incorrectly sent to a juvenile justice facility without benefit of an examination by qualified mental health counselors ["High costs, fewer inmates," Editorial, Jan. 23]. At best, this lack of assessment leads to inappropriate counseling and treatment decisions for disorders such as learning disabilities, chemical dependency and mental illness.

Far worse is the inclusion of disabled young people in a juvenile justice system that is ill-equipped to respond to their needs. For many, this introduction into "the system" becomes a pathway to prison as an adult.

A proven alternative, both in terms of cost-efficiency and effectiveness, is community-based chemical dependence prevention and treatment programs. These programs offer counseling, support groups and education for youth in a safe, nurturing environment. Here in Nassau County, we are lucky to have a Person in Need of Supervision Diversion program that helps families keep their at-risk teen out of the juvenile justice system by providing crisis counseling, stabilization and assessment within 24 hours of the family's petition to Family Court.

The best way to save a troubled teen is to help the entire family whenever possible, so that a young person can remain in school, stay connected to a support system and learn to take responsibility for his or her actions.

Phil Mickulas

Mineola

Editor's note: The writer is the chief operating officer for the Family and Children's Association, a nonprofit that runs the Person in Need of Supervision Diversion program, among others.