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## Other Youth Topics

## Breadcrumb

            -  Youth Topics 
            -           Screening and Assessment      

# Screening and Assessment

Although prevalence rates of certain substances have been steady or in decline, others are on the rise. The normalization of substance abuse among youth highlights the importance of screening and assessment (a more in-depth look at the issues) in order to prevent future substance dependencies. Screening and assessment procedures are extremely important tools in identifying substance use, abuse, and dependence. Performing an effective screening and assessment depends on factors specific to each individual case. For example, some factors to consider are whether the youth has been drinking or abusing substances recently, the rapport between the youth and the interviewer, and the assurance of confidentiality. A good resource for understanding and choosing screening and assessment tools can be found here.

Biological screenings, such as blood tests or urine samples, are the most effective tools to determine if an adolescent is using alcohol or drugs. But because biological screenings can require parental consent, and can be difficult or costly to acquire, using a questionnaire may be a better way to perform the screening. Questionnaires can also help to identify the possibility of abuse/dependence, which can lead to a more in-depth assessment and referral to treatment if necessary.

Before using any screening tool, it is critical to establish a level of comfort with the youth by explaining that you will be asking personal questions and that the information will help you provide him or her with the best possible care. It is important to assure them that all responses will be confidential (dependent on the youth’s age)1 and that he or she does not have to answer any questions that make him or her uncomfortable.

If the screening process produces a positive result, then the next step is to initiate a more thorough assessment process to determine the severity of the problem and the best course of action. A useful tool for finding drug and alcohol abuse treatment is the treatment locator provided by SAMHSA. This interactive map can help to locate a treatment facility that is closest to you. Learn more about treatment for substance abuse.

## Resources

**Substance Abuse Treatment Locator**The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides an online resource for locating drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs across the country. The Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator lists:
                        - private and public facilities that are licensed, certified, or otherwise approved for inclusion by their state substance abuse agency; and 
                        - treatment facilities administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Indian Health Service, and the Department of Defense.

**Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention for Youth: A Practitioner’s Guide**This resource, from the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, is designed to help healthcare professionals detect alcohol-related problems before they start. This document also provides information on how to counsel youth and connect them to external sources of treatment. 

1 Office of Civil Rights, 2006

## Youth Briefs

How Individualized Education Program (IEP) Transition Planning Makes a Difference for Youth with Disabilities
Youth who receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) and especially young adults of transition age, should be involved in planning for life after high school as early as possible and no later than age 16. Transition services should stem from the individual youth’s needs and strengths, ensuring that planning takes into account his or her interests, preferences, and desires for the future.

Youth Transitioning to Adulthood: How Holding Early Leadership Positions Can Make a Difference
Research links early leadership with increased self-efficacy and suggests that leadership can help youth to develop decision making and interpersonal skills that support successes in the workforce and adulthood. In addition, young leaders tend to be more involved in their communities, and have lower dropout rates than their peers. Youth leaders also show considerable benefits for their communities, providing valuable insight into the needs and interests of young people

How Trained Service Professionals and Self-Advocacy Makes a Difference for Youth with Mental Health, Substance Abuse, or Co-occurring Issues
Statistics reflecting the number of youth suffering from mental health, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders highlight the necessity for schools, families, support staff, and communities to work together to develop targeted, coordinated, and comprehensive transition plans for young people with a history of mental health needs and/or substance abuse.

Young Adults Formerly in Foster Care: Challenges and Solutions
Nearly 30,000 youth aged out of foster care in Fiscal Year 2009, which represents nine percent of the young people involved in the foster care system that year. This transition can be challenging for youth, especially youth who have grown up in the child welfare system.

Coordinating Systems to Support Transition Age Youth with Mental Health Needs
Research has demonstrated that as many as one in five children/youth have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Read about how coordination between public service agencies can improve treatment for these youth.

Civic Engagement Strategies for Transition Age Youth
Civic engagement has the potential to empower young adults, increase their self-determination, and give them the skills and self-confidence they need to enter the workforce. Read about one youth’s experience in AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).

## Main navigation

- Substance Use/Misuse
- Prevalence of Use, Abuse, & Dependence
- Co-occurring Disorders
- Risk & Protective Factors
- Warning Signs
- Screening & Assessment
- Prevention
- Treatment
- Federal Resources
- Federal Data
- Opioids
- References

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