NCJ Number
162155
Date Published
1990
Length
80 pages
Annotation
A longitudinal study of 305 youths who entered juvenile detention in Florida between December 1986 and April 1987 sought to determine the usefulness of urinalysis in identifying youths at risk of future drug use and delinquency and to suggest intervention strategies to reduce the chance that these youths would become further involved in drug abuse or juvenile delinquency.
Abstract
Data were gathered regarding demographic factors, juvenile justice histories, alcohol and other drug use, experiences of physical or sexual abuse, personal and peer delinquency, educational experiences, psychological functioning, and urinalysis results. Findings indicated that serious efforts are needed to identify and work with youths displaying difficulties at school and with their families, at the earliest age. Interviewing and urine testing of youthful detainees for drug use at the point of entry into secure detention is also a promising method for screening youths with histories of delinquency. Programs must also be holistic, rather than focusing on one problem at a time. Many youths need serious treatment intervention, especially drug treatment. Service continuity is also essential, because many youths have problems that can be traced to their early years and that become more serious as they proceed through adolescence. 83 references