The 10 practice guidelines discussed in this bulletin from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention are based on evidence-based practices and are intended to offer support and assistance to community supervision professionals dealing with the problem of underage drinking. The guidelines are presented in a broader context to allow local juvenile justice systems and agencies the flexibility of adapting the guidelines to fit their individual needs and practices. The guidelines are: 1) conduct screening for alcohol problems at the first and subsequent contacts between underage drinkers and the justice system; 2) assess the youth's risk and needs; 3) assess the youth for strengths and assets; 4) assess the youth for substance abuse problems; 5) determine the most appropriate system-level response and individual-level intervention(s) and develop an individualized case plan; 6) identify each offender's readiness to change and prompt him or her to make positive changes using motivational interviewing techniques; 7) refer underage drinking offenders with alcohol disorders to appropriate alcohol treatment and monitor their attendance and participation; 8) engage family and social support networks in the supervision process; 9) monitor compliance with supervision conditions and case plan expectations; and 10) apply sanctions for noncompliance when necessary, and increase positive reinforcement. It is reasoned that the use of these guidelines will provide professionals with the tools they need to obtain objective information for developing effective interventions for the youths under their care. Notes and references
Underage Drinking: Practice Guidelines for Community Corrections
NCJ Number
237231
Date Published
October 2012
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This bulletin from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention presents a set of practice guidelines for use by community supervision professionals dealing with the problem of underage drinking.
Abstract