Guam Juvenile Drug Court has teamed up with the Guam Chamber of Commerce to create the highly successful Life Skills Youth Program, a court-monitored, strength-based, holistic drug treatment and rehabilitation program for juveniles ages 13 to 18 who have been convicted of non-violent drug charges. The Chamber and Drug Court made a joint presentation about the program at this month's National Association of Drug Court Professionals Annual Conference.

Life Skills, developed by the drug court with help and sponsorship from the Chamber, provides treatment for substance use disorders, recreational therapy, education in basic life skills, frequent drug tests, and an incentive program. The Chamber's integral involvement with the Drug Court is essential to the success and uniqueness of the program.

Each student maintains frequent contact with their case manager, their parole officer, and Judge Elizabeth Barrett-Anderson, completing the program in nine to eighteen months. Courses are taught by volunteers from local Chamber member businesses in both practical and enjoyable subjects, including banking, cooking, job interviewing, sewing, auto repair, and first aid.

The experiences of at-risk youth with the drug court program are positive ones, not punishments. Upon graduation, students receive a certificate of completion (that names the program without stigmatized words "drug court"), which they can then present to local employers associated with the Chamber of Commerce as an additional job credential. Graduates are also presented with an encased silver dollar as a symbol of and reward for their success.

Since February 2002, the program has graduated 61 students and has enjoyed an immense success, with a recidivism rate of only 6 percent. The program not only helps students turn their lives around, but also saves the community money. Supporting one student in this program costs only a few dollars a day, whereas detaining them at the Department of Youth Affairs costs about $150 per day.

In addition to the sponsorship of the Chamber, the court is also funded by a two-year, $496,000 federal grant, which terminates at the end of the fiscal year. The judiciary of Guam is currently seeking approval from the legislature for funding for next year.