BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Law enforcement officials in Calhoun County have unveiled a new program designed to help keep juvenile offenders out of trouble.
The program, known as ASPIRE (Adolescence Substance Abuse Programming Through Innovative Recovery Education), is meant for misdemeanor offenders aged 11 to 16 years old who are using alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. The goal is to help prevent addiction in minors.
If an offender is able to successfully complete the program, they will not be charged with the crime.
Officials say around half of all juveniles that enter the system are testing positive for controlled substances, which include drugs such as fentanyl and amphetamines.
The program will be overseen by the prosecutor’s office and no court systems will be involved. Participants will undergo a health screening, followed by enrollment in various existing programs.
Officials say that over 400 juveniles were prosecuted in 2018 alone.
