Floyd County has a program that is keeping runaways, truants and children caught up in other status offenses out of juvenile court. The Parent and Family Support Group targets entire families. The Rome News-Tribune is profiling the program in a series of stories.
The Support Group was started by former Juvenile Court Probation Officer April Thomas. The group helps children like 13 year old Arianna Creamer, who was hitting and talking back to her mother, Julianne. Julianne turned to Juvenile Court for help.
Judge Timothy Pape tells the newspaper he tries to keep unruly kids from hurting themselves without treating them like criminals. At the same time, budget cuts across the state have left juvenile courts with fewer and fewer options. He believes the Support Group is the way to reach children and help parents do a better job.
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