CRIMINAL JUSTICE - DRUG ABUSE TREATMENT STUDIES

The Two Reentry Strategies study responds to the critical need to implement, evaluate, and identify effective reentry programs for adolescents with substance use problems involved in the juvenile justice system.  The study involves two phases: 

• Phase 1 is a short-term project involving a cross sectional assessment of drug-involved youths receiving treatment in justice system residential facilities.  Its purpose is to classify juveniles, according to those whose substance use is the primary problem vs. those whose substance use is secondary to other problems such as psychiatric disorders, criminal involvement, or experience of physical, sexual, or psychological trauma.  (Completed)
• Phase 2 is a longer-term study that compares two reentry protocols:  Cognitive Restructuring (CR), and alternative aftercare services (AAS) in regard to post-reentry treatment outcomes, and examine interactions of these programs with the youth profiles identified in Phase 1. A pilot study is being conducted at one site, which involves a comparison of CR and AAS with Functional Family Therapy (FFT).  Findings from this pilot study will be used to guide further research initiatives.