Solicitor’s Office Launches Multi-Disciplinary Juvenile Treatment Court to Combat Opioid Risk Among Youth
April 4, 2026
The 8th Circuit Solicitor’s Office has established a Multi-Disciplinary Juvenile Treatment Court (MJTC), an innovative early-intervention program designed to identify at-risk youth and provide meaningful support to prevent opioid misuse and related behaviors, 8th Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo announced Tuesday.
The program was formally established through an order issued March 23 by South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice John Kittredge, underscoring the state’s commitment to addressing substance use risks among juveniles through coordinated, evidence-based intervention. The program will officially begin operations on April 1.
Funded through resources made available by the national opioid settlement and the Greenwood County Community Action Plan, the MJTC represents a proactive effort to turn the devastating impact of the opioid crisis into an opportunity for prevention, intervention, and long-term positive outcomes for local youth.
“This program is about getting ahead of the problem,” said Solicitor Stumbo. “By identifying young people who may be at risk and surrounding them with the right resources and support, we can change trajectories, strengthen families, and ultimately make our community safer.”
The MJTC brings together a collaborative team of professionals—including prosecutors, defense counsel, judges, treatment providers, educators, and community partners—to develop individualized intervention plans tailored to each participant. The program focuses on addressing underlying issues such as trauma, substance exposure, and mental health challenges while providing structured supervision, counseling, and mentorship.
At the core of the program is the Good Life curriculum, a structured framework designed to build decision-making skills, personal accountability, and positive life planning. Programming and services will be centered at the Starz24 Teen Center, offering a safe and supportive environment for education, skill-building, and mentorship.
Through strong partnerships with community organizations and the involvement of dedicated mentors, participants will receive consistent guidance, accountability, and support from individuals committed to helping them succeed.
“We are taking something that has deeply harmed our communities and using it to create hope,” Stumbo added. “This is an investment in our youth and in the future of Greenwood County. By surrounding these young people with the right support and strong mentors, we can change the direction of their lives and ensure they have every opportunity to succeed.”
The MJTC emphasizes accountability while prioritizing rehabilitation and long-term success. Participants will be closely monitored through structured programming, regular court appearances, and ongoing engagement with service providers.
This team-based initiative is designed to reduce repeat offenses, strengthen families, and create a sustainable path forward for youth in Greenwood County, reinforcing the Solicitor’s Office’s commitment to addressing the opioid crisis and related crime issues through innovative, community-based solutions.
