Out of Isolation: Reflections from Judge Adam Weeks

Circuit Judge Adam Weeks hears juvenile cases in the Third Judicial District of Arkansas, which encompasses four counties in the northeast and north central portion of the state. He says he has observed a troubling uptick in juvenile delinquency, with cases ranging from drug possession to school-related crimes like bomb threats.

Judge Weeks thinks many of these issues have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He says the isolation and stress of the past few years have severely affected the mental health of young people, driving many to appear in court in crisis.

“The pandemic took a real toll on our young people, specifically their mental health,” he says. “This decline in mental well-being is tied to a rise in substance use, particularly the increased prevalence of marijuana vaping among students.”

He is concerned about a lack of resources available for juveniles struggling with drug addiction and says there seems to be an absence of mental health providers willing to address the issue, despite its growing severity.

Judge Weeks is particularly concerned about the evolving nature of marijuana, noting that the potency of modern cannabis products far exceeds what was available in the past. He worries about the lack of understanding surrounding these new forms of marijuana and the impact they may have on young people, especially, he says, as society increasingly views marijuana as harmless or medicinal.

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He says he has noticed changing attitudes of younger generations towards education and social interaction. He notes that today’s youth seem to exhibit a noticeable disinterest in attending school, especially in person.

This shift, he suggests, is mirrored by their parents, who also seem less concerned about the importance of physical attendance. He attributes part of this change to safety concerns, such as school shootings, but also points to a broader sense of discomfort and anxiety that young people feel about being in social environments.

This reluctance to engage in traditional school settings has contributed to a growing trend of isolation, with students preferring solitude and virtual interactions over face-to-face connections.

In response to the growing challenges in juvenile cases, Judge Weeks has been instrumental in creating a Family Centered Treatment Court, a program designed to address the root causes of family dysfunction and substance abuse. These courts enhance collaboration with substance use treatment and child welfare systems to ensure families receive necessary treatment and services, ultimately improving outcomes for children, parents, and families.

The court focuses on treating substance use disorders, connecting families to necessary resources, and fostering a supportive environment that encourages positive change.

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Looking ahead, Judge Weeks believes that the key to addressing many of the challenges facing youth lies in fostering stronger community connections. He is confident that many of the problems related to juvenile crime and substance abuse can be mitigated if communities start to take action and organizations connect individuals with the resources they need. “Ultimately, it’s a cultural change more than a silver bullet.”