Research has shown that family engagement during a youth’s time in the juvenile justice system helps to improve outcomes across behavioral health, education, and delinquency. To inform this technical assistance brief, which explores the application of this knowledge in the juvenile drug treatment court context, the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice (NCMHJJ) conducted a nationwide survey of professionals at juvenile drug treatment courts, juvenile mental health courts, and hybrid juvenile treatment courts to learn about attitudes and practices related to family engagement.
Survey results helped shape the comprehensive set of family engagement recommendations offered by the brief, as well as a self-evaluation tool. The following are also included: Key findings of the survey; Essential information on substance use and addiction among young people; and Descriptions of two juvenile drug treatment courts that demonstrate a strong commitment to family engagement.
This report was prepared by NCMHJJ in partnership with the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and was made possible by funding from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.