Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Patterns and Determinants of Criminal Justice Involvement Among Youth in Substance Abuse Treatment Programs

• NCJ Number: 237495
• Journal: Journal of Correctional Health Care Volume: 17 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2011 Pages: 294-308
• Author(s): Dionne C. Godette Ph.D.; Mesfin S. Mulatu, Ph.D., M.P.H.; Kimberly Jeffries Leonard Ph.D.; Suzanne Randolph Ph.D.; Natasha Williams, Ph.D., J.D., M.P.H.
• Date Published: October 2011
• Length: 15 pages
• Grant Number(s): 1R25 MH 080669-01A1
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined disparities among adolescents admitted to substance abuse treatment nationwide.

Abstract

Adolescent substance abuse is a criminal behavior; however, not all criminal behaviors result in criminal justice involvement. This study examined disparities among adolescents aged 12 to 17 admitted to substance abuse treatment nationwide. Findings indicate significant disparities in patterns and determinants of criminal justice involvement between White and minority adolescents. Minorities were significantly more likely to be involved with the criminal justice system, even after controlling for criminal behaviors, substance abuse, mental health problems, and socioenvironmental risk. Findings reveal that connections to the educational system may be especially important for minority groups. The importance of developing systems of treatment for adolescents in the community and correctional system that are part of the same continuum of care is highlighted. (Published Abstract)