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Ohio County commissioners are being asked to consider funding a youth court program. The suggestion has been made that they tack an additional $5 onto court cost charges for those who appear in the traditional court system.
A youth court already is functioning in Brooke County, commissioners were told. It has been endorsed by circuit Judges David Sims and Michael Olejasz.
Under the proposal for Ohio County, the special court would handle the cases of those 18 and under who have been accused of minor crimes. Only first offenders would be eligible. Juvenile probation officers would recommend defendants, who could escape having to pay fines and have their records expunged upon successful completion of the program.
As an example of the type of offense for which youths could be handled through the special court, those charged with possession of tobacco products in school were cited.
Yes, that is a crime under state law. But no, handling it does not require involvement by the full-scale traditional court system.
Having such minor charges dealt with by a youth court could free up time for the existing juvenile justice system to work with those accused of more serious offenses. That alone makes the idea appealing -- on a trial basis. Commissioners should consider providing the funds for it.