Many Fountain Hills juveniles who are caught for minor consumption or small drug possession charges end up before David Gallagher.

He’s not part of law enforcement or the judicial system, but he conducts classes as part of a youth diversion program.

As head of Arizona Addiction Treatment Program in Mesa, Gallagher has seen about 8,000 juveniles in the past 22 years.

He recently made a presentation to the Fountain Hills Coalition, since many local juveniles get referred to the diversion program for first-time offenses.

The local Municipal Court has a contract with AATP to send about 80 percent of the juveniles referred to diversion to attend a class conducted by Gallagher.

“I was approached by the court a few years ago because they were concerned with all the drinking and parties going on here,” Gallagher told the coalition.

“It’s been a mess here for a while.”

However, Gallagher said Fountain Hills is no different than other Valley communities when it comes to juvenile drug and alcohol issues.

“And I do have to say that the kids from Fountain Hills are the most respectful ones that we’ve seen,” he added.

AATP conducts these diversion classes one or twice a month on a Saturday at the Mesa Police Department headquarters. Classes typically are held for eight hours for offenders between the ages of 12 and 17.

In 2012, he saw 31 juveniles from Fountain Hills go through his classes.

So far in 2013 he’s seen 25 students come through.

“The class is highly structured,” he said. “We review the dangers of drugs, alcohol, drinking and driving, that type of thing.

“For us to be successful, we need strong law enforcement and a strong judge. You have that in Fountain Hills.

“The kids respect Judge Eisenberg.”

A week prior to Gallagher’s presentation, however, Magistrate Mitchell Eisenberg announced he would be resigning his post and taking a position with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

The town has yet to name a replacement or announce if a full-time judge would be hired.

“It’s important that parents know what’s going on that class, too,” Gallagher told the coalition.

“It’s a very intense, structured class. We need a consistent message from parents, law enforcement.

“We need parents to be adults, not the best friends of their kids.

“A lot of cities don’t want to deal with underage drinking and drugs, but you guys are confronting the situation.”

As for law enforcement, Gallagher said it is “vital” that kids get cited when they are caught drinking or when involved with other issues.

“Consistency is key and sending that message of enforcement,” Gallagher said.

“You guys are doing a great job out here.”

Coalition Director Carole Groux said it was “fantastic” that there was a specific diversion program for juveniles ages 17 and under.