Lorain County Juvenile Drug Court held its first virtual graduation, which coincided with the participant's 17th birthday.

Lorain County Juvenile Drug Court held its first virtual graduation, which coincided with the participant's 17th birthday.

In uncertain times, such as COVID-19, those struggling with substance use issues need structure and stability to maintain sobriety. For one teen, the constancy of a juvenile drug court allowed her to become a landmark graduate of the program.

Lorain County Juvenile Drug Court held its first virtual graduation this week. It was the most notable gift for the 17-year-old participant’s birthday, which approximately 20 others witnessed through videoconference.

“I can say that I’m not the same person [who] walked into drug court,” said the teen, who is not being identified because she’s a minor.

Upon entering the program a year earlier, depression and anger problems led to a litany of negative consequences – missing school, failing grades, being expelled for fighting at school, and subsequent felony charges.

The drug court team, which includes the court staff, defense counsel, prosecutor, family therapist, and a substance use treatment provider, diagnosed her with post-traumatic stress disorder, in part, from drug activity she witnessed as a child.

Recognizing the sudden life changes that came with the pandemic, the teen’s case manager, case aid, and clinician kept in contact with her daily through video chat.

“There have been forces or triggers that have attempted to derail [her], but from the start, you’ve shown honesty and a commitment to sobriety,” said domestic relations Judge Frank Janik.

A willingness for accountability in her treatment, schoolwork, and a part-time job created a foundation, but a supportive family network was necessary for sustained success. As part of the specialized docket, parents are required to meet with a clinician twice a month as part of an education program to better understand what their child is experiencing.

“Her whole attitude and outlook on life has changed. She’s in a much better space,” said the graduate’s mother.

To help build a better sense of community in and out of the program, participants are required to complete support activities or community service. That experience helped with a graduation requisite –an inspirational quote to be the centerpiece of a collage. As the program’s 90th graduate since its inception in 2000, she chose author Samuel Smile’s words to live by, not only for herself, but her fellow participants.

“Good actions give strength to ourselves, and inspire good actions in others.”