Juvenile Sentencing

San Cristobal Academy receives countless applications every year from the families of young adult men facing criminal and/or civil charges often related to drug use or addiction. Often times the charges stem from simple possession to DUI, or even to some type of criminal mischief. Drugs and alcohol change the way young people think and act, and alter their perception of what’s right and wrong, often leading to life altering consequences. All it takes is one really bad decision made in the haze of drug abuse or addiction to land a basically good but troubled young man, into a mostly uncaring and unsympathetic court system.

The only good news (if you can call it that) is that prison and county jails are bursting at the seams with drug offenders costing US taxpayers millions each year. Judges increasingly have sought out new juvenile sentencing alternatives as a way to free up space for more chronic and serious offenders. Courts, defense attorneys, and even prosecutors will often proactively recommend drug and alcohol rehab before incarceration.

As a drug and recovery program, San Cristobal Academy philosophically believes in the disease model of addiction. Fundamental to that belief is that drug abuse and addiction over time, can and will alter brain chemistry, leading to problems with memory, emotions, impacted critical thinking, and problem solving skills. As a treatment program, we believe in recovery AND second chances. One bad choice should not define someone’s life. As an organization, we carefully review every applicant’s history to ensure not only our ability to effectively treat, but also the safety of all of our students and staff. Violent offenders and/or chronic offenders are referred to appropriate programs specifically designed to work with their specialized needs.

San Cristobal Academy employs case managers whose job includes communicating with probation officers, judges, and/or attorneys regarding the student’s progress and status in the program. Specific probation requirements, including community service work and restitution, can be incorporated into treatment plans upon request.

Please contact the San Cristobal Academy Admissions department for more details on our ability to work with specific juvenile sentencing or young adult alternative sentencing programs. Admissions can be reached at
(866) 918-8383.