Reclaiming Futures: Communities Helping Teens Overcome Drugs, Alcohol and Crime—A New Practice Framework for Juvenile Justice

Abstract

Increasing numbers of youth entering the juvenile justice system on drug-related charges require new practice frameworks for youth advocates. Screening, assessment and intervention capabilities have not kept pace with the youth who need them. This article presents an overview of a new approach, based on the system of care movement, to integrated care service provision for this population. Utilizing the Reclaiming Futures initiative—being piloted in 10 communities in the United States—as a model for change, the article suggests that juvenile justice, in partnership with treatment and other community stakeholders, can have a positive impact on this social problem.

Keywords:

• alcohol
• at-risk youth
• drug abuse
• juvenile justice
• substance abuse