Objectives: Study objectives include: 1) identifying federal policies and funding which support adolescent substance abuse treatment, 2) assessing the degree to which the legislative intent and implementation of these federal policies advance or hinder the development of a coordinated system of adolescent substance abuse treatment, and 3) recommending federal policy changes.
Methods: Federal policies were selected based on: relevance to adolescent substance abuse treatment, the amount of the policy's budget appropriation, and the number of eligible youth. Authors reviewed federal legislation and regulations, government documents, scientific papers and reports. Twenty-five interviews were conducted with key informants.
Results: The federal government is making a significant contribution to adolescent substance abuse treatment. However adolescent substance abuse treatment policies are scattered across policy domains including health, juvenile justice, child welfare, education, housing and labor. While some policies are complementary, many overlap, illustrating the complexity of collaborative efforts. The number of agencies addressing similar concerns creates fragmentation and difficulty in coordinating efforts to ensure that all adolescents' substance abuse treatment needs are met.
Conclusion: A multidisciplinary system of adolescent substance abuse treatment that transcends traditional federal policy boundaries is essential. Research is needed on models of organizing and financing treatment across federal programs.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session participants will be able to: 1. Identify major federal policies funding adolescent substance abuse treatment 2. Understand the potential of these policies for improving the adolescent substance abuse treatment system
Primary Funding Source: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, SAMHSA
Learning Objectives: After this session, attendees will be able to: 1. Identify major federal policies funding adolescent substance abuse treatment 2. Understand the potential of these policies for improving the adolescent substance abuse treatment system
Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Adolescents
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.