NCJ Number
232205
Date Published
2007
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This report outlines the stages to implementing successful treatment for teens with substance abuse problems in the juvenile justice system.
Abstract
In 2002, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation launched Reclaiming Futures, a 5-year initiative that brings problem-solving courts and systems together on behalf of substance-abusing youth in the juvenile justice system. After 5 years of operation, in 10-sites, there is much to share about what they learned and how they implemented a system-wide change to improve how youth with alcohol and drug problems are handled in their juvenile justice system. This report provides a road map for communities that wish to help local juvenile justice systems tackle substance abuse and illegal behavior. The report is a guide for system transformation that includes changes in all the organizations and agencies that seek to provide opportunities for success for youth and their caretakers and at the same time reduce the rate of juvenile crime. An illustrative model (Reclaiming Futures Model) has been developed that identifies the critical stages to implementing successful treatment for teens with substance abuse problems in the juvenile justice system. It consists of six stages that direct how the juvenile justice system, substance abuse treatment providers, and the community work together. Appendix