NCJ Number
121835
Date Published
1988
Length
96 pages
Annotation
This study researched the scope and nature of juvenile drug abuse in eastern Fairfield County, Conn., assessed the status of community resources presently addressing the problem, and proposed community action alternatives.
Abstract
The scope and nature of juvenile drug abuse was documented through a youth survey involving 2,946 students from 34 schools in the public, parochial, and private school systems. The final sample represented approximately 12 percent of the total youth population in these school systems. The survey determined that juvenile alcohol and drug abuse is a serious problem in the region. The assessment of current services for addressing this problem found no coordinated system of case management nor an organization responsible for planning and implementing a full continuum of care. To address the problem, United Way has proposed the creation of a regional youth alcohol and drug abuse resources system to raise community awareness of the problem and facilitate helping systems' cooperation with one another through a regional coordinating committee. This project will be funded for 3 years. Achievements and lessons learned over 2 years of the project are reviewed. Appended survey questionnaire and technical notes on the methodology used in the survey.