NCJ Number
123206
Date Published
1989
Length
52 pages
Annotation
This study used epidemiological data to assess the substance-abusing needs of Prince George's County (Maryland) youth and their families and proposes two configurations of treatment.
Abstract
Given the level of need and the types of service currently offered, the study recommends that the county develop a more coordinated and comprehensive system of care. The study recommends that substance-abusing youth residing with viable family units receive treatment in outpatient or day care settings that minimally disrupt adolescent family relationships and academic progress. Youths from severely dysfunctional families, on the other hand, may need to be removed from their families and placed in long-term residential treatment. The report suggests the county review two treatment configurations. One would include an intensive treatment facility, including detoxification service for 15-20 juveniles for up to 30 days. This would be followed by patient management through outpatient services. A second configuration would include hospital-based detoxification followed by intensive outpatient/halfway house treatment. Other recommendations pertain to the structure for coordinating a countywide juvenile drug treatment program. 13 tables.