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Abstract: 

The mental health impairments, substance use, and extensive service needs of justice-involved youth have been well documented in a number of sources (Abram et al., 2004; Cocozza & Skowyra, 2000; Farabee et al., 2001; Teplin et al., 2002), and it is clear that these youth require effective interventions. However, achieving a positive impact on youths’ development or, stated differently, preventing deterioration of their functioning requires a dramatic change in the nature of existing treatment services. These services need to go much further than targeting only substance abuse and delinquency. Services must be designed to address previously overlooked clinical needs, including comorbid psychiatric disorders and HIV risk behavior (Rowe, in press), as well as to make larger systems of infl uence, such as courts and schools, explicit targets of intervention (Liddle, 1999).

Keywords: Assessment, referral, resources, delivery, ESTs, flexible approach, phasic, wrap around

Affiliations:  1: Sam Houston State University; 2: Center for Treatment Research on Adolescent Drug Abuse; 3: Center for Treatment Research on Adolescent Drug Abuse; 4: Center for Treatment Research on Adolescent Drug Abuse.