Module 3: Treatment Strategies

6. Management Strategies/Treatment Engagement

One of the most important goals when working with youth involved with the juvenile justice system is to implement strategies to engage youth and their families as partners in the treatment process. Engagement strategies are important for youth who typically do not seek treatment on their own and are usually referred by an adult figure in their life. In fact, many of these youth have already been referred to a variety of professionals and agencies in the past and unfortunately, did not remain in treatment for a significant period. Dropping out of treatment is common. Continual reinforcement to stay in treatment is particularly important for youth with co-occurring disorders.

Collaboration among juvenile justice and the mental health and substance abuse treatment systems continues to be critical when responding to problems in complying with treatment. It is important for youth with co-occurring disorders to experience success, particularly since many have difficulties maintaining responsible behavior.