By the Honorable Karen Braxton, Third Circuit Court (Wayne County)
For more than 20 years, the Juvenile Drug Treatment Court known as the S.T.A.N.D. (Supervised Treatment for Alcohol & Narcotic Dependency) Program has been a staple in the 3rd Circuit Court - Juvenile Division for working with very troubled youth.
The S.T.A.N.D. Program is a highly-structured specialty court designed to provide an alternative to the traditional criminal justice system through comprehensive supervision and treatment services for youth who struggle with substance use disorders. It provides opportunity, teaches responsibility, builds character, and produces success. Cases are referred into the program by either the jurist, prosecutor, defense attorney, and/or case management organizations. Youths are screened for eligibility by our Juvenile Justice Specialist. Our team includes jurists, a coordinator, an administrative assistant, probation officers, defense attorneys, educational advocates, prosecutors, treatment providers, and mentors.
One fateful day in March 2020, we learned that our court would
close for an unknown period of time due to COVID-19. While the court would remain closed for some
months into the future, the S.T.A.N.D. team knew that the program must
continue. The team met, and within
weeks, successfully launched our virtual program. Displaying their resiliency, the youth
continued their commitment to the program by appearing virtually via Zoom for
biweekly conference hearings, meetings with their probation officers, and
individual and group therapeutic sessions.
By the date of graduation from the program, each youth was substance-free
and had maintained their sobriety for months leading up to their special
day.
On this virtual journey, we hosted two outstanding events
for the youth and their families. On
August 28, 2020, the S.T.A.N.D. Program held its first Virtual Drive-Through Graduation
Ceremony. Through the rain and adhering
to social distancing guidelines, we were able to celebrate four exceptional
youth who had spent the past year addressing myriad issues, including substance
use disorders, mental health disorders, educational concerns (especially during
COVID), and other areas of concern. They
drove through our celebratory display with their families, while being observed
via Zoom by special guests, including local elected officials and court administrators.
The graduates were presented with their
awards and incentives and allowed to address those present in the virtual
space. Although we were socially distant
from our youth, we appreciated the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate
their accomplishments.
Our second virtual event occurred on December 14, 2020, when
the S.T.A.N.D. team hosted its first Virtual Holiday Party. Everyone involved had an amazing time as we
celebrated the end of the year. Team
members planned events such as a scavenger hunt, the ugliest sweater contest,
the best decorated background contest (no virtual backgrounds) and trivia
games. During the games, the
participants and their families partnered with S.T.A.N.D. team members to allow
them to interact with the team in a more relaxed environment. After the event, both the team and
participants commented on how enjoyable the event was.
The S.T.A.N.D. Program interacts with youth who have been
labeled as delinquents. Our team shares
the value that all human beings, no matter the differences we hold, struggle
with something in our lives. These kids
are worth our investment today so they can achieve success tomorrow. These principles remain true in the virtual
environment.
Our team does not know what the future holds or when our
courts will fully open again. In the
meantime, we all remain focused and committed to the rehabilitation of and
investment into our youth.
Judge Karen Braxton
has served the Wayne County Circuit Court since 2013 and has presided over the
Juvenile Drug Treatment Court since 2015.
She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Rochester
and a Juris Doctor degree from Case Western Reserve University School of
Law. Judge Braxton is a member of the National
Association of Drug Court Professionals and Michigan Association of Treatment
Court Professionals.