Bridging the Gap: A Guide to Drug Treatment in the Juvenile Justice System (2005)

This 2005 report, "Bridging the Gap: A Guide to Drug Treatment in the Juvenile Justice System," provides a comprehensive overview of effective drug treatment strategies for adolescents in the juvenile justice system. It emphasizes the importance of systems integration, thorough assessment and treatment matching, recognition and treatment of co-occurring disorders, and comprehensive, developmentally appropriate programs that involve families and focus on long-term success. The report highlights various challenges and successful strategies from different programs across the country, underscoring the need for a coordinated, compassionate, and evidence-based approach to treatment.