Steering offenders the right way

When a youngster runs afoul of the law for the first time what happens then can often be the key to whether he becomes a repeater or finds a way to living a good life free of crime. The office of the 10th Circuit Solicitor believes it has a program that works toward balanced and restorative justice. Completing the Juvenile Arbitration Program allows the offenders to avoid formal prosecution in court but requires them to make amends for their actions. But the Juvenile Arbitration Program can’t work without community volunteers. The Solicitor’s office offers training for those interested. That training begins Monday at 5:45 p.m. at the Pendleton Branch Library in Pendleton. Anyone interested should contact Susann Hellams Hunter at 864/260-4339.