No matter whose responsibility it is to educate kids about underage drinking some kids just didn't get the message and they are already facing the consequences for choosing to drink.

But in some cases getting caught is what it takes to get back on the right track.

Glen Mills takes a closer look.

Almost every Tuesday afternoon…

“The stupidest and most disappointing choice I could ever make.”

On the second floor of the Partners building…

"I had to do a lot of things to overcome my mistake.”

You will find a classroom full of teenagers…

“What I don't know is why I thought it was okay for me to put myself on the line and go against the law.”

Teenagers that are facing the consequences for choosing to drink or use drugs.

Every one of them was caught and ordered by the court to take this Minor in Possession, or MIP Class.

But taking this class is just a small part of their punishment.

"The jury sentenced me to the following: 40 hours of community service, three teen court jury duties, an attendance contract for school, random testing…”

But in a way these kids are lucky, others who made the same mistake are dead, or behind bars because they killed someone else.

“That was my problem... i wasn't thinking.”

The four week class gets them thinking about the effects of alcohol and pot on the body and mind, the dangers of binge drinking and how even they can become addicted.

Most importantly, they learn how to use this experience to turn their lives around.

Earl Williams, class instructor, says, "These kids have a great potential and I like to see them not throw their life away by making some bad mistakes.”

Williams has been teaching the MIP Class for about five years. In that time he's seen hundreds of kids take advantage of this second chance.
And it's no different for some in this latest round, who insist they won't be coming back. That’s in part because of what this class made them realize.

"I believe I'm ready to graduate this class and hopefully never come back.”

“I want to accomplish my goals and do it soberly and not have a messed up mind.”

They’re heading back to the real world, armed with a lesson learned and a warning to other teens who might soon find themselves here.

“Not to ever try it, because you can get addicted and you don't want that to happen. You don't want it to mess up your life in any way.”

For 11 Cares, Glen Mills.