For far too many kids in Harris County, the future is written not in classrooms but in courthouses – specifically, the three juvenile courts. These venues serve as the bar of justice for youngsters aged 10 to 17. Minor issues like substance abuse or criminal mischief and larger crimes, such as burglary, theft, assault and gang activities, can all land a kid before a juvenile judge.

Voters should look for candidates who can work with probation officers and community outlets to ensure that an early run-in with the law doesn’t lead to a lifelong pattern of criminality. Our county jail and state prisons are already filled with felons who, at one point, committed their first youthful indiscretion and ended up on the wrong path. A good judge can find a way to help these kids write a better future for themselves – and for all of Harris County.

ENDORSEMENTS: Read the editorial board’s picks for Democratic and Republican primary elections 

Democratic

Judge, 313th Judicial District: Natalia Oakes

Natalia Oakes, 66, earns our support in this primary contest against a qualified opponent, John Stephen Liles. Although Liles has spent nearly twice as long as a member of the bar, Oakes has more experience in juvenile courts. Voters should want a candidate with that specific focus to serve on this specialty bench.

Both candidates favor a rehabilitative approach for juveniles. But while Liles emphasizes vocational training, Oakes displays a deeper knowledge of area rehabilitation and mental health resources. She has dedicated her legal career to helping children and her background as a teacher makes her well-suited to evaluate the most effective programs available to guide young people to a second chance in leading a successful life. Voters should give this Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University graduate the chance she requests “to roll up my sleeves and get to work.”

A third candidate, Tracy D. Good, did not meet with the Houston Chronicle editorial board. The winner of the Democratic primary will face Judge Glenn Devlin, the Republican incumbent, in the general election.

For juvenile court judge, Democrats should support Natalia Oakes for this important specialty bench.