JUVENILE DRUG TREATMENT COURTS IN THE UNITED STATES: INITIAL LESSONS LEARNED AND ISSUES BEING ADDRESSED*

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the development of juvenile drug treatment court programs in the United States; the goals of these programs; a comparison of the traditional juvenile justice process and services with that of the juvenile drug treatment court; and principal areas in which the juvenile drug treatment court experience has differed from that of the adult drug treatment court. The paper also provides a description of early models and the modifications and enhancements that have subsequently been instituted to enhance program effectiveness; a summary description of the range of juvenile drug treatment court activity currently underway in the United States; the nature of substance use and other issues presented by participating youth; and the major challenges juvenile drug treatment courts are currently addressing.

• Juvenile drug court
• Juvenile drug treatment court
• Adolescent drug treatment court
• Adolescent substance use treatment
• Juvenile justice system
• Restorative justice
• Therapeutic-jurisprudence
• Problem solving courts

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Caroline S. Cooper

Caroline Cooper is Associate Director, Justice Programs Office, School of Public Affairs, American University and Research Professor, School of Public Affairs, American University. She received a B.A. (American Studies) from Smith College; an. M.A. (History) from Howard University, and a. J.D. (Law) from the Washington College of Law, American University. Ms. Cooper has also practiced criminal law, representing both adult and juvenile litigants and, previously, served for five years on the faculty of Dunbar High School, Washington DC.