The number of substance-abusing youth who become involved in the juvenile justice system is increasing. Between 1992 and 1996 alone, juvenile arrests for drug abuse violations increased 120 percent. Adolescent substance abuse and delinquency share common issues involving school, family, and peers.
Capacity building is one such strategy.
It calls for committed interagency collaboration in developing and implementing effective services within the unique context and supportive environment of the community. It describes three innovative methods that can be used by juvenile justice professionals to identify substance-abusing youth and take appropriate steps to intervene. I am pleased to share this information with the juvenile justice field.