NCJ Number
152274
Date Published
1991
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This monograph presents the results of a project to determine the status of drug testing of juvenile detainees and to develop prototype elements for a drug-testing program, related policies and procedures, and a training curriculum.
Abstract
Written and telephone surveys obtained information from juvenile detention programs throughout the United States. Researchers conducted site visits to detention facilities with drug-testing programs. Subsequently, the best program components were identified, and a prototype drug-testing program was developed. The report reasons that significant intervention must occur to prevent repeat offenses and to prevent the juvenile from graduating to the adult criminal justice system. Providing a system of drug-use detection and intervention may be an important step in preventing recidivism. Juvenile detention centers can detect drug use by urine testing of detainees during the intake process. Knowledge of drug use allows appropriate intervention and treatment options to be incorporated in case-management plans. This report discusses the status of juvenile drug-testing programs, the legal authority for conducting urine tests for juveniles, on-site and off-site testing, and cut-off levels and limits of detection. 3 tables and 15 references