NEW CUMBERLAND - The Juvenile Mediation Program, which serves six area counties, has been doing well since the Hancock County Commission agreed to act as grantee for the program for fiscal year 2010.

The grant actually comes from the W.Va. Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), and does not cost the county any money.

The commission pays for the entire program using money from the grant, which is in the amount of $150,000.

The commission officially became the program grantee on July 1, but approved the request from Program Coordinator Tammy Jones on May 7.

According to Jones, the mediation program began in 1997 in Brooke County, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer James R. Lee and Judge Martin Gaughn.

"It's a conflict resolution program, but there's a lot more it does now," Jones said.

The program serves first-time offenders, status offenders, and some non-violent criminal cases in which a complaint is filed against a juvenile. The program is designed for children aged 6-17.

"Instead of going to court, the kids can make amends to a complaint filed against them," Jones said.

Jones stated that in addition to mediation, the program provides drug and alcohol education and counseling, works with the juveniles and their families on other issues, and works with the victims.

"The program pays for all the counseling," Jones said. "Eligibility (for funding) is not dependent on gender, race, or financial ability."

The staff is comprised of the program coordinator and two case managers: Tammy S. West and Melissa Penhos, but volunteers are welcome.

A person interested in volunteering must have at least eight hours of educational training and must participate in at least two mediations before he or she begins attending hearings, Jones said.

The program serves Brooke, Hancock, Marshall, Tyler, and Wetzel counties.

Jones stated that the number of cases has decreased in the past few years, because of the higher intensity of cases for issues such as drugs and alcohol.

"We used to serve about 700 a year, but last year, it was 346 (cases)," Jones said.

West stated that of the cases last year, approximately 86 were out of Hancock County.

"It's a good thing that we're here (in Hancock County) now," West said.

The program also works with referrals from law enforcement officers, schools, and the DHHR.

Anyone interested in volunteering is invited to contact Jones at 304-737-3652.