Our probation officers carry a caseload of 35 to 85 youths and it s impossible to provide intensive supervision to that many kids, she said, noting the local DJJ office saw 560 youths pass through its doors last year. The increased supervision through the APO program will probably be an eye-opener for some of the juveniles. They may not like it, but it may be just what they need to keep them from re-offending. Greenwood County s APO program started in March, but the concept stems from a Memphis, Tenn., program that was started by a judge in 1968. Instead of just letting the system look after juvenile delinquents, this judge thought it would work better if people in the community looked after them, Trammell said.
Volunteers serve as arbitrators between juveniles, their parents and crime victims.
We try to settle cases out of court. Trammell, of Greenville, received a psychology degree with a minor in child and family studies from Lander University in 1999. For information about the APO program, call Trammell at 229-6648. St. Claire Burns covers Greenwood, public safety issues and general assignments in the Lakelands. Stand for Children Day was started in 1996 to demonstrate commitment to children.