South Carolina Supreme Court establishes Juvenile Treatment Court in Greenwood County

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South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice John W. Kittredge signed an order on March 23 establishing the Greenwood County Multi-Disciplinary Juvenile Treatment Court (MJTC), a specialized court program designed to address behavioral health needs among juvenile offenders in the Eighth Judicial Circuit.

The new court will provide coordinated treatment services and structured supervision to youth dealing with substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and other factors linked to delinquent behavior. The program will offer individualized treatment plans, mentorship, educational support, and accountability measures aimed at reducing recidivism among participating juveniles.

Admission into the program will be determined by the Eighth Circuit Solicitor’s Office based on recommendations from the MJTC Team, which may include representatives from Family Court, the Department of Juvenile Justice, public defenders, treatment providers, educators, law enforcement, and community partners.

Family Court Judges Mindy W. Zimmermann and Joseph C. Smithdeal will preside over the court and are authorized to impose incentives and sanctions — including community service, additional treatment, bench warrants, or removal from the program — for participants who violate the court’s conditions.

The order takes effect immediately.