Under this program, NIJ collaborates with universities and other research organizations to interview arrestees in 23 cities quarterly, asking them questions about drug use, gang involvement, access to guns, public health issues, and access to treatment. All responses are confidential and used solely for research purposes. Tests are taken to measure levels of drug use. The program is scheduled for expansion to all cities with populations of more than 200,000 over the next 3 years. As valuable as these Federal initiatives are, however, the power to overcome the scourge of drugs lies squarely within our communities.
Every community resident has untapped potential strength and ability to bring about change.
It is essential that this potential be unleashed to support America's young people and to prepare them to be leaders for the 21st century. Those who work with and care about children must help to defeat the lure of drugs, showing young people the beauty of self-respect, respect for others, and respect for positive and legal authority. There are no quick fixes, so all members of the community must be advocates for long-term solutions, beginning with prevention and early intervention programs and activities. The critical juvenile justice issues that will influence the formulation of youth policy into the 21st century involve three major themes. The development and implementation of an effective local strategy for juvenile justice reform must involve all elements of the community because all have a stake in its success.