Provision of drug treatment services in the juvenile justice system: a system reform

• Published in: The journal of behavioral health services & research Vol. 27; no. 2; pp. 194 - 214
• Main Authors: Terry, Y M, VanderWaal, C J, McBride, D C, Van Buren, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Springer Nature B.V 01.05.2000
• Subjects: Addictive behaviors; Adolescent; Behavior; Bias; Case management; Case Management - legislation & jurisprudence; Child; Collaboration; Drug abuse; Drug use; Guidelines as Topic; Humans; Imprisonment; Juvenile delinquency; Juvenile Delinquency - legislation & jurisprudence; Juvenile Delinquency - prevention & control; Juvenile justice; Juvenile justice system; Juvenile offenders; Minors; Public policy; Recidivism; Reforms; Regional Medical Programs - legislation & jurisprudence; Regional Medical Programs - organization & administration; Social Work - organization & administration; Studies; Substance abuse treatment; Substance Abuse Treatment Centers - legislation & jurisprudence; Substance Abuse Treatment Centers - organization & administration; Substance-Related Disorders - rehabilitation; Substance-Related Disorders - therapy; System theory; Treatment; United States; USA; United States; United States > US
• ISSN: 1094-3412; 1556-3308
• DOI: 10.1007/BF02287313

This article proposes a systemic reform of the organizational structure and delivery of substance abuse services for adolescents within the juvenile justice system. It first discusses the impact of substance use on the juvenile justice system and then reviews which drug treatment programs and services are currently available. Following an evaluation of the most effective drug treatment programs and modalities, recommendations for system reform are given. The recommendations are based on a graduated sanctions framework, supported by systems collaboration and comprehensive case management. Systems collaboration between service providers must exist for juveniles to receive appropriate and comprehensive services. Case managers (CMs) both assess juveniles and help them move through and between judicial, drug treatment, and social service systems. In this way, juveniles receive the most suitable and complete services a community can offer while remaining firmly under juvenile justice system supervision.