The Uncertain Future of Juvenile Drug Court in Charleston
As reported in today’s Post and Courier, the Charleston County Juvenile Drug Court faces an uncertain future.
This week’s departure of Family Court Judge F.P. “Charlie” Segars-Andrews could mean the end of Juvenile Drug Court – and that could spell trouble for Charleston County teenagers whose drug or alcohol problems have landed them in trouble with the law.
Judge Andrews has presided over the Charleston County Juvenile Drug Court since 1997. But Thursday was the Judge’s last day on the bench – she was forced out of her job by lawmakers who found her unqualified because of her involvement in an unrelated divorce case.
And while Probate Judge Irv Condon has agreed to continue supervising the program, it is understood that he has agreed to serve only on an interim basis; the court’s ultimate survival could hinge on whomever lawmakers elect to fill Segars-Andrews’ vacancy next year.
Juvenile Drug Court is not really a court at all, but a sort of probation program that serves an alternative to prison for youths ages 13 to 18 who have pled guilty or been convicted of certain crimes. There are currently 35 Charleston-area youths participating in the program.