Juvenile justice services, disproportionate minority contact, and alternatives to detention for African-American adolescents with substance use and co-occurring disorders continue to be areas of concern for juvenile justice, substance abuse, and mental health administrators. Additionally, salient is the question regarding the purpose of the juvenile justice system. Whether its focus is "punishment or rehabilitation" affects outlook, services, approaches, and outcomes. This article examines disproportionate minority contact and alternatives to detention for African-American adolescents with substance use and co-occurring disorders along with evidence-based and community-based alternatives to detention. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.