Staff Perspectives on Juvenile Drug Court Operations: A Multi-Site Qualitative Study

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2014

Abstract

Substance use is pervasive among youth, particularly among those involved in the juvenile justice system. Juvenile drug courts (JDCs) are a promising approach for delinquent youth with substance abuse issues. However, research regarding JDCs has shown inconsistent effects, and little is known about the specific components associated with positive outcomes. The current study examines data from interviews of JDC judges and team member focus groups in six JDCs from two contiguous southeastern states to identify stakeholders' perceptions about what places youth at risk for involvement in JDC and the factors that may contribute to successful outcomes. In addition, we examine these stakeholders' perceptions of the strengths and challenges facing their JDCs. Our findings highlight the importance of parents and specific strategies implemented by JDCs in influencing the outcomes of youth in JDCs and the importance of interagency collaboration and access to treatment and community resources for the overall success of JDCs. © 2013 SAGE Publications.

Publication Title

Criminal Justice Policy Review

Volume

25

Issue

5

First Page

614

Last Page

636

Comments

This article was published in Criminal Justice Policy Review, Volume 25, Issue 5, Pages 614-636.

The published version is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0887403413486342 .

Copyright © 2014 Sage.

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