Kashan Haynes is always watching.

Though her role has changed, for almost 20 years Haynes has been a fixture in Warren County Youth Court.

Haynes began as receptionist of the court in 1996 and when Warren County Judge Johnny Price took office she became compliance officer, tasked with ensuring that juvenile offenders are following the judge’s orders.

She visits homes and schools but gets the most enjoyment from watching the children who were in trouble grow into responsible adults.

“They come up here to a probation officer but with me being the compliance officer I try to have another type of relationship with them,” she said. “If they’re in something in the community and they let me know about it, I’m there to see what’s going on.”

Youth Court proceedings are not open to the public. Records are confidential and in most cases are forever sealed once the young offender moves out of the court system.

“I want people to know we’re not just here to lock up a child. We have avenues to help them and make them have a better way of life. There’s a lot of things people don’t see but we see. We try to help them through life and all the possible options,” Haynes said.

Haynes sets up programs where community leaders come in and talk to young offenders to let them know why being a positive member in the community is so important.

“There are other things in life they can do than coming into this system. If you do come into this system, there’s a way out of it,” she said.

She is also in the process of getting a special program in place for girls in the youth court system.

“Some of the girls just really need some ladies to look up to and who are in a good position in life,” Hanyes said.