NCJ Number
221050
Journal
Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: 2007 Pages: 51-71
Date Published
2007
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the scope of substance abuse and related problems among juvenile offenders and describes three models for addressing them: Treatment Alternatives to Street Crimes programs (TASC), juvenile drug courts, and an integrated treatment network model.
Abstract
Although juvenile delinquency has decreased over the last 10 years, the proportion of juvenile offenders entering the system on drug charges has dramatically increased. Substance abuse among youth in the juvenile justice system is significantly higher than that of the general youth population. Substance abuse is a key precursor to a delinquent career. Further, many of these youth have co-occurring mental health problems, which presents further challenges for their treatment. TASC models have sought to address this escalating trend among juvenile offenders by increasing collaboration between justice and treatment providers. TASC has focused on improving the assessment of juvenile offenders, referral to treatment based on assessment, case management, family involvement, and monitoring. The strength of the TASC model is that it has laid the foundation for a more widespread acceptance of a justice-centered systemic response to substance abuse problems. Another model for substance-abusing juvenile offenders is the juvenile drug court. Specially trained judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and alcohol and drug-treatment providers cooperate in placing adolescent substance-abusers in appropriate treatment and monitoring their progress under the threat of sanctions for willful failure to commit to treatment. A third model is the integrated substance abuse treatment network. This model calls for a multiagency coalition and the rallying of political, economic, and relational capital in order to mobilize a community in reclaiming substance-abusing youth in the juvenile justice system. This model produces improved system functioning, with measurably improved outcomes for youth and their families. 70 references