VANCEBURG, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky's 20th judicial district is offering an innovative program to help local families identify, and hopefully prevent drug abuse.

District Judge Brian McCloud developed the program in coordination with Circuit Court Clerks and state legislators. It offers take-home drug testing kits for just $5 each to any resident of Lewis or Greenup Counties in northeastern Kentucky.

McCloud told The Ledger Independent of Maysville the program has been very successful so far and he hopes to keep it going.

McCloud says he sees the testing kits as both a supervisory tool for people who are already in the court system or have substance abuse issues. He believes they will also serve as a deterrent, especially for young people who may be more likely to turn down drugs if their parents have testing supplies on hand.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)