The Nebraska Supreme Court's Chief Justice says a state pilot program designed to treat delinquent juveniles without making them state wards appears to be working.
Chief Justice Michael Heavican delivered his annual State of the Judiciary this morning.
He told lawmakers that the pilot program has treated 600 juveniles since July 1.
Heavican says about 80 percent of them have completed probation successfully, a higher percentage than the statewide average.
He also commended a Sidney judge for his role in creating transitional housing for families dealing with substance abuse. "Under the leadership of Randin Roland, he secured and renovated a housing unit where families can live independently while participating in substance abuse and mental health treatment," explained Heavican. "The first family enrolled in April 2012 with H.U.D. And D.H.H.S. support."
The high judge says that this project proves that collaborating with local, state and national organizations, it is possible to create a positive and sustainable change
