NCJ Number
113906
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 39 Issue: 4 Dated: (1988) Pages: complete issue
Editor(s)
M R Mildon
Date Published
1988
Length
51 pages
Annotation
This special issue provides recommendations for community, parental, treatment, and court responses to the drug crisis.
Abstract
It is recommended that possession, use, and sale of illegal drugs not be decriminalized and that communities develop and sustain comprehensive programs for the prevention of substance abuse by juveniles and families. Community systems, institutions, and agencies must work as partners; funding sources must be found; and health insurance coverage must sustain a broad range of services for substance dependent persons. Parents must recognize that substance abuse is a family problem, that their own abuse may harm their children, and that they are responsible for preventing their children's abuse. Parenting education programs should include information on substance abuse. Judges and courts must assert community leadership, intervene early, hold children and families accountable, mandate sanctions and remedies, and emphasize family-focused treatment. Juvenile courts should be given jurisdiction over juveniles who drive under the influence of substances. Judges and correctional personnel should receive substance abuse training, and courts should develop a process for assessing and monitoring substance abuse. A full range of interdisciplinary assessment and treatment programs should be funded and made available to the courts, and correctional facilities should provide rehabilitative programs. Action also is needed to address the problem of juvenile gang drug trafficking. Maps, figures, and 2 tables.