Reclaiming Futures (RF) is an initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) that seeks to improve outcomes for drug-involved youth in the juvenile justice system. The first phase of Reclaiming Futures (2002–07) was a ten-site demonstration effort that relied on organizational change and system reform to improve substance abuse interventions for youthful offenders. As part of a national evaluation of Reclaiming Futures, the Urban Institute and Chapin Hall Center for Children at the University of Chicago conducted biannual surveys in each community participating in the initiative. The surveys measured the quality of juvenile justice and substance abuse treatment systems as reported by expert informants in each community. The pattern of their responses over six survey administrations (December 2003 to June 2006) suggests that RF is a promising strategy for improving substance abuse interventions for youth. Positive and significant changes were reported in all ten RF communities. In several communities, most quality indicators measured by the evaluation improved significantly during the course of the RF initiative.
Drugs4Real is a free Web-based prevention program that teaches early adolescents (ages 11 to 14) about the influence of alcohol and other drugs, and strengthens their commitment to avoid taking these substances. This program has been scientifically tested with kids and was shown to effectively improve knowledge regarding the risks of drug and alcohol abuse.
CFK Reports From: Help at Any Cost: How the Troubled-Teen Industry Cons Parents and Hurts Kids Event: Author presentation and discussion Organized By: Cato Institute Where/When: Cato Institute, Washington DC, April 20, 2006
Maia Szalavitz, the author of Help at Any Cost (Riverhead, 2006), spoke about what she learned in the process of researching and writing her book, which looks at the continued reliance by some states and parents on a "tough love" form of addiction treatment for adolescents that relies on physical intimidation, humiliation and isolation.
It's a common parental nightmare that turns into reality with unnerving frequency - the phone call that tells you your child is in trouble with the law. Joan Lisante got advice from parents, judges, police officers and others on how to cope.
This Alcohol Alert describes some of the most harmful consequences of underage drinking as well as prevention and treatment approaches that can meet the unique needs of this age group.
Underage alcohol use is associated with traffic fatalities, violence, unsafe sex, suicide, educational failure, and other behaviors dangerous to teens and others. Yet the media continues to make drinking look attractive to youth, and many teens find it possible and even easy to get access to alcohol. This joint report by the National Research Council and institute of Medicine proposes a comprehensive strategy to curb underage drinking, a problem that costs the nation an estimated $53 billion annually.
The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign offers step-by-step instructions on how communities and youth can plan, budget, develop and paint an anti-drug wall mural, promoting anti-drug messages and building healthy, safe and drug-free neighborhoods.
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