NCJ Number
115914
Date Published
Unknown
Length
34 pages
Annotation
Two self-report survey instruments, the Drug Use Survey and the Community Personality Survey, were developed and administered to 232 juveniles resident in the 5 Colorado Division of Youth Services (DYS).
Abstract
These youth are among the most serious juvenile offenders in the State. Results indicate that alcohol and drug use among DYS youth was extremely high, with almost all reporting use of alcohol and marijuana. They also reported extensive use of all other drugs, except heroin; and their substance use was almost three times higher than that found in a comparably-aged national sample. Further, these youth had been extensively involved in illegal activity: a majority had engaged in theft, fights, sale of marijuana, burglary, damage of property and carrying of weapons. Delinquency involvement for DYS youth was 3 to 10 times higher than that in the national sample. These findings suggest an association between multiple substance abuse and delinquent behavior. DYS youth also reported school problems, and most also had experienced psychological problems of some type. The incidence of physical abuse and sexual abuse was high among both males and females. A large variety of adjustment problems also were identified in the DYS sample. Ethnic differences in patterns of delinquency and drug use also were found. Both delinquency and drug abuse were strongly related to mental health problems; and all three areas were related to family abuse, violence, and dysfunction. Implications for DYS program policies are discussed. Tables.