Module 1: Overview of the Juvenile Justice, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Treatment Systems

Introduction

This module provides an overview of the juvenile justice system, mental health treatment system, and the substance abuse treatment system. Each system is described to provide background information for professionals of the other systems. For example, the juvenile justice system section is written for mental health and substance abuse treatment professionals and provides an overview of the responsibilities of the juvenile justice system, and how and why youth are referred to this system. This module also discusses the importance of families, related systems of schools and child welfare, and critical cross-cutting issues regarding female offenders, cultural issues, and youth with nontraditional sexual identities.

Exercises are included at the end of each section to reinforce the main points and provide an opportunity to think about enhancing collaboration to help youth with co-occurring disorders. The exercises are required to be completed by participants registered for an upcoming 2-day course, Working Together for Change: Co-occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Among Youth Involved in the Juvenile Justice System, and are highly recommended for all others reading this tutorial.