Lexington is implementing a Juvenile Treatment Court. City council members got a briefing on the just-initiated youth wellness program last week.
The Juvenile Treatment Court mission statement centers on protecting public safety and reducing the recidivism rate of youthful offenders. It’s based on an integrated approach involving court supervision, mental health services, education, and personal accountability.
Fayette District Judge Melissa Moore Murphy said an accountable adult mentor is also important. “We know we have people like that in our community, but it has to be people that we can count on the be there all the time. It can't be a one off because I think kids, our children need to have consistency,” said Moore-Murphy.
Judge Murphy said individually tailored treatment plans are used. She said there are about 70 kids at any given time in probation status in Fayette County. Of that number, Murphy said, it’s hoped about 20 of them can be involved in the new Juvenile Treatment Court.
Council Member James Brown asked the judge about participants who commit violence. “If there’s a juvenile who’s already enrolled in the program, and going through the phases, and they commit a violence crime. Does that mean they would have to get booted out of the program and take another course of action?" asked Brown.
“Yes… and the reason is the very first phase is no new offenses,” replied Moore-Murphy.
Murphy said that requirement must be honored because, otherwise, it defeats the purpose of the program. The district judge said youth are referred to the treatment court by court-designated workers, the Family Court, and Fayette Juvenile Court.
