Addressing the needs of youth with co-occurring disorders in juvenile drug treatment courts

Fragmented service delivery systems make it nearly impossible to offer effective and timely interventions for youth with alcohol and other drugs problems. In response, innovative juvenile courts have developed specialized dockets for these youth and their families. These courts promote the accountability of juvenile offenders and also accountability of those who provide them services. By 2012,  458 juvenile drug treatment courts were either in the planning stage or had been established.

Recent findings indicate positive outcomes for youth participating in these courts, especially when practice adheres to evidence-based and best practices. Youth in the juvenile justice system present with disproportionately high prevalence rates of co-occurring mental and substance use disorders.  Although these disorders may appear to exist independently, they interact within the individual and  deepen the personal, social and justice challenges faced by Youth.  Research has consistently shown that youth with co-occurring disorders present with greatest impairment in individual and academic functioning, have elevated risks of suicide, and have the worst treatment outcomes.

Courts that seek to include youth with co-occurring disorders must change policy and practice. This presentation will outline how this can be accomplished, bridging the gap from research to practice, in an effort to successfully include youth with co-occurring disorders in juvenile drug treatment courts.