The good news is that through research and effective community-based programs we can tackle this problem. ADAM can be a useful tool for analyzing the relationship between drugs and violent crime and attitudes about drug and gun use. The teleconference also highlighted Youth Force, a South Bronx youth-run outreach initiative that includes a youth court, tutoring, educational resources and support for young people going through family and criminal court. Many Youth Force members were previously involved with the criminal or juvenile justice system and serve as examples of how young people can turn away from drugs and violence and lead productive lives.
Members also offer leadership training residents at local juvenile detention facilities.
In addition, today's broadcast examines PharmTech's conceptual approach to alcoholism and drug dependency, which emphasize the need for addicts to accept responsibility for their actions and address factors that may have contributed to their dependency, such as dysfunctional family relationships. PharmTech, based in Santa Cruz, California, provides technical assistance and consulting services in behavioral health care and addiction medicine. Today's teleconference reached law enforcement officials, juvenile court officials, substance abuse treatment providers, school leaders and U.S. Attorneys and was also broadcast live on the Law Enforcement Television Network.