NCJ Number
210094
Journal
Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research Volume: 27 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2000 Pages: 194-214
Date Published
May 2000
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This article proposes a systemic reform of the organizational structure and delivery of substance abuse services for juveniles within the juvenile justice system.
Abstract
The authors argue that improved substance abuse interventions in the juvenile justice system have the potential to lower future criminal activity by incarcerated juveniles, help provide optimum treatment to youth with addictions, and help prevent recidivism. Reform design to achieve this must involve a review of current services and include plans to incorporate known correlates of juvenile drug use and treatment outcomes. An overview of the juvenile justice system is offered to provide a context for understanding where and how substance abuse services can be appropriately offered, with attention to where services are fragmented or ineffective. The six phases of case processing included in this overview are intake, social investigation, fact-finding hearings, adjudication, disposition, and continuing care. The proposed reform model is then described. It is a three-part model that includes an integrated structure built around several guiding principles, a number of core program elements set within this structure, and local-level implementation. The guiding principles for an integrated structure are systems collaboration and a culturally sensitive continuum of care, community-based interventions, early intervention, accountability to juveniles as well as the community, and cross-systems case management. Core program elements are related to stages of case processing, beginning with point of entry and extending through aftercare in the community. Implementation at the local level will require support from all relevant components of the juvenile justice system and the community. Suggestions are offered for implementing model programs at the local level. 1 figure and 118 references