NCJ Number
210542
Journal
Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 40 Issue: 7 Dated: 2005 Pages: 913-933
Date Published
2005
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This article presents lessons learned from the development, implementation, and institutionalization of a community- and school-centered program for high-risk youth.
Abstract
As increasing numbers of youths enter the juvenile justice system for alcohol- and drug-related offenses, it has become clear that the competencies, supports, and protective factors needed to help young people grow into responsible adults are not available to high-risk youth. In order to offer youth a chance at a healthy adulthood, the CASASTART program was developed as a neighborhood-based, school-centered program that targets high-risk youth and their families. The program follows an intensive case management model and strives to create partnerships among schools, law enforcement, and community-based health and social service organizations. CASASTART goals include the prevention of initial and future substance use, the promotion of school success, the reduction of drug-related crime and violence, and the reduction of delinquent behavior among high-risk youth. Aspects of the program’s development and implementation are discussed and lessons learned are highlighted and include the placement of CASASTART program managers into the youth’s school on a permanent basis. Overall, the CASASTART program has been successful in intervening with high-risk youth and their families; evaluation results indicate that CASASTART participants have lower rates of drug and alcohol use. Future research is needed to evaluate the effects of CASASTART in other communities and to assess its net economic costs. References