Having served Adams County youth and their parents well for 31 years, we’re pleased Natchez resident John Hudson will share his talents with the rest of Mississippi as the state Supreme Court’s Jurist in Residence.

As the traditional family seemingly continues to erode and more and more children are left without the nurture afforded by those with committed parents, the skills and experience Hudson offers will become only more important.

Hudson’s experience as youth court judge in Adams County uniquely positioned him to be aware of the plight of delinquent, abused and neglected children. He understands the effects of drug use on parents and children and has worked to fashion discipline for youth offenders in a way that provides justice and rehabilitation.

As the Supreme Court’s Jurist in Residence, Hudson will work with court systems in Mississippi to share what he has learned and help them set up programs that include alternatives to simply locking children up.

The adage, “It takes a village to raise a child,” has never been more true. Right or wrong, society is left to pick up the pieces when lack of parenting, parental drug abuse and sexual abuse scar our children.

Hudson’s role will be one of liaison between county courts, the state’s Department of Human Services and other agencies involved in protecting our children.

The new position is a step in the right direction for all of Mississippi families and we are proud of Hudson’s role in this process.