You are running for an elected position as a state representative for your district. Part of your potential constituents' concerns includes the newly formed juvenile pretrial program for the diversion of first-time nonviolent drug offenders. The community wants to know where the representative candidates stand on the issue of juvenile drug offender pretrial diversion and why. They do not understand why they should have to pay for the treatment of young offenders whom they see as hopeless cases that will never have anything to offer society. Your turn has arrived to speak on this topic.

Why should the community support the pretrial diversion of juvenile drug offenders?

Should they be given any more consideration than adult drug offenders? Explain your answer.

Should drug offenders who have committed other crimes while intoxicated or looking for drug money be treated differently?

What should the criminal justice system do with these offenders, and why?