CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW)- The Horry County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies will launch the SOAR (Succeed, Overcome, Achieve, Reeducate) Juvenile Diversion program next month.
The Sheriff’s Office held a press conference Wednesday afternoon detailing how the program will work. Sergeant Robert Butler and Lance Corporal Harold Connor with the Horry County Sheriff’s Office will lead the new initiative.
SOAR is a 12 hour program that allow juveniles to experience life as if they were incarcerated. The juveniles will undergo an exercise regiment, one on one counseling, and a period of reflection. The program also incorporates a mandatory paternal/guardian class.
“The purpose for doing this is that once we reunite the juvenile back with their parents both of the parents/juvenile will understand and we will be able to work together,” Sheriff Thompson said.
Program participants must be 12-16-years-old. Officers will only take 5-8 students at a time and the goal is to show them a better path in life.
“What we’re trying to do is just change their behavior and get them to understand that the path they’re on is not only going to lead them to jail but either in a hospital or a grave,” Sergeant Butler said.
The Sheriff’s Office is modeling the program “Project Ready” in Richland County. Deputies shadowed officers in that program and hope to duplicate the success here.
All program participants must complete a sports physical before they can participate in the SOAR program. The Sheriff’s office will offer assistance on a case-by-case basis.
For more information about the SOAR program or how to participate contact:
Sgt Rob Butler
843-915-6903(office)
843-902-6557 (cell)
Butlerr@horrycounty.ord
Lcpl Harold Connor
Connorh@horrycounty.org