Substance Abuse Strategies for Youthful Offender Reentry

CC Pro — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:53:00 GMT

According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), approximately 100,000 youthful offenders are released each year from secure facilities into the community. Of those released, 63% commit a new offense within a year. Substance abuse often plays a significant role in the lives of youth that recidivate. A recent edition of the SAMHSA News published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) spotlights various programs across the country that have made a significant impact in reducing recidivism associated with substance abuse. The Young Offender Reentry Program (YORP) employs three (3) basic principles to enhance the chances of youth in making a successful transition back into society:

Start treatment early
Create a seamless continuum of care
Use a holistic approach

The techniques of obtaining housing, employment, education, and other life skills are also emphasized.

Juvenile Justice Connection : Recidivism

Substance Abuse Strategies for Youthful Offender Reentry