Module 1

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

Introduction

Summary

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

Bicep with question mark in center

5E. Exercise: Family Involvement and Needs

When a police officer found Enrique smoking marijuana behind the bleachers during a schoolday, Enrique threatened to hit the officer with a baseball bat. This was his third drug charge. His mother is concerned because Enrique is not cooperating with the staff at his outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program. He threatens the staff when his requests are refused and kicks over chairs when he enters a treatment session. She provided the following information when interviewed by a law enforcement officer.

Maria: “Enrique is really a good boy. I don’t know why he does some of these things. But I know that if he got the right kind of attention, he’d turn around. I try, but it’s hard. If I had family, it would be better. But I grew up in foster homes. My own parents couldn’t take care of me. I think they drank too much. And I was like Enrique. I know how hard it is for him. I couldn’t sit still–had problems paying attention in school. So I got moved around a lot.

"It wasn’t so bad for my kids though, until I had a car accident. That was about 2 years ago. It was pretty bad. The doctor at the hospital asked where my parents were. He must have known that I’d need some help. I told him it’s just me and the kids. He never talked to me again. Doctors are supposed to care about people, but I don’t think they really do.

"After the accident, I had trouble getting things done at the restaurant where I work. It was hard for me to remember things, too. So now I’m looking for a job where they don’t mind if I work a little slower … and–well, I look for places where the boss speaks Spanish. It’s just better that way.

"But my kids—they really want to help and they try. They’re my best friends. Enrique felt so bad when I was hurt. He’s old enough to notice things—hear things. After my accident, he said he wanted to be a doctor so he could help other people who get hurt. But he’s a teenager and hestarted hanging out with a rougher crowd. Working like I do, and with the other kids, it’s hard for me to keep track of him. He’s not a bad boy, but these friends of his—they give him ideas."

Questions:

The following questions are intended to help you identify ways the juvenile justice system can support Enrique’s mother and how her strengths can support his treatment.

1. Which of the following characteristics apply to this family? Click all that apply.

2. Which of the following factors would help Enrique in his treatment? Click all that apply.