NCJ Number
202673
Journal
Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2003 Pages: 388-401
Date Published
October 2003
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article describes an alternative substance abuse treatment program for juvenile offenders.
Abstract
Widespread substance abuse problems among America’s youth have been well documented in many studies. Also well documented in the research literature is a link between juvenile offending and substance abuse problems. After reviewing this research, the article explores the essential components of effective substance abuse treatment programs for adolescents. The Comprehensive Residential Education, Arts, and Substance Abuse Treatment (CREASAT) program is described as an art-based intervention program that draws on the Matrix Institute addictions model, which focuses on developmental factors that initiate and maintain adolescent substance abuse. The article describes CREASAT’s program philosophy and program components, which are based on social learning theory, cognitive behavioral principles, and the adolescent’s environments and willingness to change. Implementation of the model program in Los Angeles is described as a result of collaboration between the Probation Department for the County of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County of Education, Division of Court and Community Schools. The importance of culturally relevant practices for adolescent substance abuse treatment is discussed, as is the importance of a continuum of care including community reintegration management. References