Vape Court launched to address juvenile vaping

Clarion Top News

Friday, 02 August 2024 08:40

Jackson County District Court, in collaboration with Jackson County Juvenile Court, is set to implement a new Vape Court starting in August 2024, coinciding with the new school year. This initiative aims to tackle the growing issue of vaping among students in Jackson County Schools and Scottsboro City Schools.
School Resource Officers will issue citations to students caught with vaping products on school premises. These citations will require the student and their parent or guardian to attend a court session. The Vape Court will offer various sanctions, including community service hours, attendance at a four-hour vape education class, and potential fines.

The program follows the lead of successful implementations in surrounding counties such as Marshall and Cullman. After consulting with these counties, it became evident that Vape Courts significantly reduce the number of vaping incidents in schools. With the rise of THC vapes and fentanyl-laced products, addressing this issue has never been more critical.

Jackson County Schools and Scottsboro City Schools will maintain their own disciplinary policies, which will be detailed in student handbooks. The Vape Court complements these policies by providing additional legal and educational interventions.

The Vape Education Class, part of the American Lung Association’s INDEPTH program, will be taught by Mountain Lakes Behavioral Healthcare’s Prevention Team. Funded by grants from the Alabama Department of Mental Health, the Prevention Team also collaborates with schools to provide further services, ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment for students.
The Vape Court initiative aligns with Alabama Code § 28-11-13(a) and § 28-11-14, which make it unlawful for individuals under 21 to possess or use tobacco or nicotine products and establish legal consequences for violations.

Judge Don Word of the Jackson County District Court expressed optimism about the program, stating, “By holding students accountable and educating them on the dangers of vaping, we aim to create a safer and healthier school environment. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to addressing this issue head-on.”

The Chief Juvenile Probation Officer for Jackson County Juvenile Court has met with both school systems to ensure the smooth rollout of this new policy. All parties involved are dedicated to the program’s success and are committed to continuing to work with legislators to support future legislation that will provide more comprehensive measures to help children and families in Jackson County.

For more information, please contact: Lauren Burns Gattis, Chief Juvenile Probation Officer at 256-574-9365.