"There has not been one day in my life that I have done drugs that I can recall not having to lie about something. Your whole life revolves around lies after lies after lies. Soon, reality is a thing of the past and lies are all we know."

— Juvenile Drug Court client

In the war on crystal methamphetamine addiction, the Juvenile Drug Court is on the front lines.

With one part-time judge, six probation officers and a lot of community support, the Drug Court is battling to change the lives of some of the 6,000 young people a year on O'ahu who pass through the Family Court system for crimes and status offenses — most of them with drug or alcohol problems.

The Juvenile Drug Court's low recidivism rate of 12 to 14 percent has been hailed by the National Center for State Courts as an exemplary model for the nation.

"It's the best thing we do as a Judiciary, as a community," said Family Court Judge R. Mark Browning, who has headed the Drug Court for four of its five years.

He only wishes there were resources to do more; the court can handle only 60 offenders at a time in each of three graduating classes a year. Those involved in seriously violent crimes and sexual offenders are excluded.

"I was in a hole so dark that I could not see until it was too late. You just don't know how much things I would give up to go home and be with my family."

— Juvenile Drug Court client

The Juvenile Drug Court is part of the reason for encouraging signs that ice-related deaths and crimes are declining after several years of community activism and stepped-up law enforcement, drug education and treatment.

Browning hears divorces and other Family Court cases four days a week before turning his full attention to the Juvenile Drug Court on Fridays, when he hears as many as 45 cases.

He said the probation officers who ride herd on the kids are the "Delta Force," keeping clients on track as they move through a four-step program that includes treatment, drug testing, support meetings and sometimes home detention.

State resources are supplemented by community support ranging from family counseling and employment guidance to martial arts and hula programs that smooth the way into drug-free living and help offenders develop discipline and form more positive peer associations.

Browning brings a passion to the task and insists his young clients do the same by going to school every day and making a commitment to always be honest and treat themselves and others with respect.

"I demand that they fight for their lives because that's what it's about — building a foundation for a successful life," he said. "It's not just about getting clean and sober, but about keeping them there by dealing with the psychological traumas and other underlying problems."

Holding families accountable is especially key. "Often, by healing the kids, we heal the family," Browning said.

One thing clients can be sure of is that the judge will be there every step of the way, whether visiting them in the detention home when they have setbacks or attending functions that celebrate their successes.

"I'm never giving up on you," he said. "You fall down and we'll pick you up. These kids need to know somebody believes in them. If you give them a structure and help them grow within that structure, it's the best feeling in the world to see them succeed."

"I have truly come to believe that this program is my savior. It has been nothing but support, encouragement and discipline, which my life lacked."
— Juvenile Drug Court client

David Shapiro, a veteran Hawai'i journalist, can be reached by e-mail at dave@volcanicash.net. Read his daily blog at blogs.honoluluadvertiser.com.