County officials said there is a big problem with kids abusing drugs in Brooke and Hancock counties.

"A lot of the kids that I've worked with over the years reported drug use as early as 8 or 9 years old," said probation officer Jody Mankowski.

Officials fought to get funding from the West Virginia Supreme Court for a juvenile drug court like the one already in place for adults.

Juvenile drug courts exist in four WV counties and will soon be created in five other areas, including the northern panhandle.

Instead of facing criminal consequences, 10-17-year-olds can participate in this six-to nine-month program packed with treatment, therapy and frequent drug testing.

"They just can't quit. They just can't leave," said Circuit Court Judge Martin Gaughan.

"They have to meet with me and I get a progress report from their treatment team. They are able to ask me questions. If they are not staying with the program, I can remove them from their home and put them in detention for a short period of time as a sanction," he said.

Gaughan said parents must agree to participant but county officials know that could be challenging since many kids learn drug use at home.

"It will take a lot of convincing them that their sobriety and stability will impact their child," said Mankowski.

Officials hope juvenile drug court can stop teen drug abuse before it becomes addiction and keep kids for being arrested again.

The court will start in Brooke and Hancock counties in mid-August.

Because it's funded through the West Virginia Supreme Court and not grants, officials said there is no concern funding could run out.