| dc.description.abstract | Research has shown a strong association between substance use and delinquent behaviors among adolescents (Barnes, Welte, Hoffman, 2002; Dembo Sullivan, 2009; Mason, Hitchings, McMahon, Spoth, 2007). These links suggest a self-perpetuating cycle for youth within the juvenile justice system that may hinder recovery (DAmico, Edelen, Miles, Morral, 2008). Treatment and prevention programs are known to be effective for adolescents (Chassin, Knight, Vargas-Chanes, Losoya, Naranjo, 2009; Tripodi Bender, 2011). The current study examined treatment availability and continuation of care within the justice system for youth in need of substance use treatment. Results provide evidence that juvenile justice agencies were linking youth to services and that a variety of substance use treatment programs are available in the local communities. A sizeable number of youth received at least one substance use treatment episode and one-fifth of those engaged in a continuum of care (multiple episodes with increasing or decreasing level of care). Logistic regressions on a sample of 675 youth indicated there were a number of factors that impacted successful treatment completion: Starting level of care, a single episode, SU diagnosis, and mental health diagnosis. Factors that impacted successful supervision completion include: Starting level of care, same or step-up movement, SU diagnosis, age and mental health diagnosis. Agencies should emphasize the need for comprehensive services (screening to treatment initiation) as well as the importance of engaging youth in SU treatment. | en_US |
