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Children of Alcoholics in the Juvenile Justice System

NCJ Number
112791
Journal
Alcohol Health & Research World Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Dated: (Summer 1984) Pages: 43-45
Author(s)
P O'Gorman; R A Ross
Date Published
1984
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article examines the correlation between parental alcoholism and adjudicated male minors at a 232-bed nonsecure residential treatment facility in Canaan, N.Y.
Abstract
Intake material for juvenile offender clients at Berkshire Farm and Center for Youth were reviewed; it was found that 55 percent of those in placement came from homes where there was an alcoholic parent or other adult. Data also indicated that 18 percent of families had been investigated by Protective Service for child abuse or neglect, and 60 percent of the incarcerated youth had alcohol and drug usage problems. The author argues that response to a family member's alcoholism may be essential to successfully addressing the problems of these youth. Other topics discussed include interventions for families in trouble, treatment programs, self-identification, motivation, and sensitization of juvenile justice system.