Developing a system of care that brings together all facets of treatment for young people in trouble with drugs, alcohol, and crime is a complex and time intensive endeavor. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is focusing its resources on this challenge. In 2002, it launched Reclaiming Futures, a multi-year effort to bring models of integrated treatment to life — one community, one future at a time.

The Foundation originally provided resources to 10 founding communities to create and test a six-step model that involves the courts, police, detention facilities, businesses, schools, faith-based organizations, and families in a network of support for the young person. While the program is unique to each community it always includes three important elements:

1. Improved treatment services for drug and alcohol use
2. A system of care that coordinates social services
3. Community involvement and new opportunities for teens