NCJ Number
16149
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 41 Issue: 12 Dated: (DECEMBER 1974) Pages: 48-51
Date Published
1974
Length
4 pages
Annotation
DISCUSSES AN EFFECTIVE FAMILY COUNSELING PROGRAM FOR YOUTHFUL DRUG ABUSERS IN LIAISON WITH THE POLICE WHO PROVIDE REFERRALS AND FOLLOW-UP ON FAMILIES WHO DEFAULT IN FULFILLING THE COUNSELING CONTRACT.
Abstract
THE COUNTY-WIDE COUNSELING PROGRAM IS STAFFED BY A DIRECTOR, LEAD COUNSELORS FOR DEFINED GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS, COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS, GRADUATE STUDENTS, AND COUNSELORS IN TRAINING. IN ADDITION TO COUNSELING FAMILIES OF YOUTH DIVERTED FROM THE COURT PROCESS, THE STAFF DEVELOPS ACTIVITIES, GROUPS, AND INFORMAL RAP SESSIONS IN HOMES, SCHOOLS, PARKS, AND AT THE YOUTH DROP-IN CENTER. EVEN THOUGH REFERRED, FAMILIES ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE THE INITIATIVE IN MAKING CONTACT FOR COUNSELING SERVICES. RESPONSIBLE FAMILY PARTICIPATION IS EMPHASIZED. A YOUTH CITED BY POLICE FOR POSSESSION OF DRUGS IS NORMALLY GIVEN THE OPTION BETWEEN THE COUNSELING SERVICES OR FOLLOW-UP PROBATION. MOST FAMILIES CHOOSE COUNSELING. FEEDBACK IS GIVEN TO THE POLICE FROM THE COUNSELING STAFF TO ASSURE PROPER DISPOSITION AND HANDLING OF THE CASE WITHIN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROCESS. EVALUATION OF THE PROGRAM BY CONSULTANTS WAS HIGHLY FAVORABLE. SELF-REFERRALS HAVE BECOME THE PRIMARY SOURCE FOR CLIENTS.