Drugs and alcohol are recurring themes in the daily operations of the courts in Butler County.

In the seven district judges’ courtrooms, cases are heard daily which either are the direct result of someone’s use of drugs or alcohol or the indirect result of someone’s bad judgment where drugs and alcohol are concerned.

In the courthouse, in juvenile court, in domestic relations, in family court and civil court, there are many examples of the pain and tragedy these substances cause for countless parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors. Such cases show the need to have an Adopt-A-School Initiative and Drug Task Force. Here is what these groups do:

<b>Butler CountyAdopt-A-School Initiative</b>The Adopt-A-School (AAS) Initiative was developed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in conjunction with the U.S. attorneys, county district attorneys and school districts throughout the United States.Butler County first participated with Adopt-A-School in August 2003, and the program is now in most county school districts.It provides a venue for instruction by police officers, probation officers, EMS and firefighters, the county district attorney’s staff, the county human services staff, and volunteers who do educational presentations and act as positive role models for youth. The program stresses the importance of a good education, living healthy and drug free, and abstaining from violent and/or criminal behavior.This program not only addresses quality-of-life issues, but attempts to bridge the gap between communities and law enforcement, creating partnerships that support the healthy emotional and physical growth of our children.Through AAS, the county has been fortunate to have the cooperation of district judges, Juvenile Court Services, Children and Youth Services, mental health and drug and alcohol programs, Center for Community Resources, MADD, state police, local law enforcement, community leaders and resources.Of the seven public school districts in the county, South Butler and Seneca Valley have full programs; Mars, Slippery Rock, and Butler are participating in some capacity; and Karns City and Moniteau have shown interest in offering AAS.In addition to AAS, two new initiatives recently have been implemented; an innovative truancy initiative spearheaded by graduate students Traci Veri and Sue McConnell from Juvenile Court Services, and an underage drinking program lead by the county district attorney’s office and district judges.Penalties for minors drinking are: educational classes, community service, fines, court costs, and a driver’s license suspension. Fines for first-time offenders can be up to $300 plus court costs. Second offenses fines could go to $500 plus court costs.License suspension for underage drinking is 90 days for first offense, one year for second offense, and two years for third or subsequent offenses.Penalties for adults are: The penalty for supplying minors with liquor, malt or brewed beverages is a misdemeanor of the third degree. A first offense is a $1,000, fine, court costs and the possibility of up to 1 year in jail. Subsequent offenses are fines of $2,500 for each underage drinker, court costs and possible jail time of up to 1 year. There are additional fines for furnishing the site for minors to drink alcoholic beverages.