NCJ Number
227755
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 39 Issue: 1 Dated: Winter 2009 Pages: 89-100
Date Published
2009
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article highlights four issues that have the capacity to influence the future planning and programming of community-based drug abuse treatment for adults and juveniles in the criminal justice system.
Abstract
The treatment research and clinical communities face particular concerns in their efforts to increase program effectiveness with criminal justice clients. Meeting the needs of frequently under-served juvenile justice and female offenders is a concern. However, strategies need to be developed that are appropriate for clients who demonstrate co-occurring disorders. Effective responses are likely complicated by the drug user's criminal justice status, highlighting another area that has received little attention. The research community needs to focus more attention on the study of organizational issues that permit the effective coordination of the efforts of drug treatment and criminal justice programming. This article examines possibilities for encouraging change in both adult and juvenile justice treatment. The article highlights four issues that are seen as having particular capacity to influence, if not dominate, future planning and programming. These issues include: (1) relapse and aftercare; (2) co-occurring disorder; (3) juvenile justice programming, and (4) women's treatment. Research indicates the widespread acceptance of a link between drugs and crime, along with the emphasis on treatment for individuals identified as drug users in the criminal justice system, has long been associated with an emphasis on rehabilitating the drug-using offender. References