NCJ Number
239590
Date Published
2011
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article presents the latest juvenile drug court research findings, and it emphasizes the importance of implementing the 16 strategies proposed in Juvenile Drug Courts: Strategies in Practice and maintaining effective collaboration.
Abstract
Between 2002 and 2010, numerous evaluations of drug courts matched drug court participants to control groups and used strong sample sizes. These evaluations reported positive results from participation in drug courts, including reduced recidivism and significantly reduced substance use/abuse for juvenile drug participants. Recent research has shifted toward identifying what makes a drug court program successful. The findings from such research led to the publication of 16 Strategies in Practice. Key components of effective drug courts include the use of incentives for good performance and sanctions for poor participation; the use of multidisciplinary teams in managing and conducting the court; the use of evidence-based practices; and active parent participation. Team members committed for the long term who have received extensive training are the most effective. A case study of a successful juvenile drug court focuses on the Cole County Juvenile Drug Court (Missouri). 15 notes