NCJ Number
161990
Journal
Journal of Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 3 Issue: 4 Dated: (1994) Pages: 69-93
Date Published
1994
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This study analyzes screening data on arrested youths processed in May 1993 at the Hillsborough County Juvenile Assessment Center (Tampa, Fla.).
Abstract
Most of the screening data were obtained with the Problem Oriented Screening instrument for Teenagers (POSIT) developed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. POSIT is designed to identify whether a problem may exist in any functional area, such that further assessment and perhaps treatment are required. A key interest in the preliminary screening process is identification of youths' problems, so that indepth assessments can be performed when needed. Indication of youths' potential problems in one or more of 10 psychosocial functioning areas (substance use/abuse, physical health status, mental health status, family relationships, peer relations, educational status, vocational status, social skills, leisure and recreation, and aggressive behavior and delinquency) is obtained by use of the POSIT. The results of this analysis suggest that the POSIT is proving to be a valuable tool in the identification of potentially troubled youths who may need in-depth assessment and intervention or treatment services. The findings reinforce the plan to retain the POSIT as a centerpiece of the Juvenile Assessment Center's preliminary screening process. 6 tables, 8 references, and appended description of the components of the Juvenile Assessment Center's comprehensive information system