Ten Steps for Implementing a Program of Controlled Substance Testing of Juveniles

• NCJ Number: 178897
• Date Published: June 2000
• Agencies: OJJDP
• Publication Series: OJJDP Juvenile Accountability Block Grants Series

Annotation

Intended as a companion to the JAIBG Bulletin, "Developing a Policy for Controlled Substance Testing of Juveniles" (See NCJ-178896), this Bulletin presents a detailed discussion of a 10-step process for developing and implementing a substance-testing program for juveniles.

Abstract

Although the steps are presented independently, in practice they are likely to overlap, with final determinations about policies and procedures in one area contingent on decisions made at other points during the process. The first step is to involve key stakeholders, including agency personnel who will be administering the drug-testing program, other juvenile justice system stakeholders, and community representatives. Step two is to determine program purpose, which encompasses what is to be achieved by substance testing, how it will be done, who will be tested, who is responsible, when testing will occur, how results will be used, and what objectives are not to be pursued through the program. Step three involves the investigation of legal issues, notably authority to test, testing preadjudicated youth, voluntary testing, constitutional issues regarding testing, challenges to drug testing, and confidentiality. Other steps explained are to identify youth to be tested; select the testing methodology; decide how to use test results and arrange for adequate and appropriate treatment; develop written policies and procedures; obtain funding; develop staff; and evaluate the program. 33 references and 19 suggested readings