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State of New Hampshire - News Detail
About Us | Our Team | News | Media Research Shows Significant Improvements in Communities Piloting Reclaiming Futures' Approach to Teens in Trouble May 4, 2006 Coordination of substance abuse treatment in the juvenile justice system has improved significantly in the 10 communities that are piloting Reclaiming Futures, a new approach to helping teens who struggle with drugs, alcohol and crime, according to new research conducted by the Urban Institute and the University of Chicago's Chapin Hall Center for Children. The State of New Hampshire is one of the 10 select sites chosen for this pilot project. An initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), Reclaiming Futures combines system reform, treatment improvement and community engagement to help teens in the justice system get off drugs and alcohol. Research shows that teens who use drugs and alcohol are more likely to end up in the justice system, where treatment services are often unavailable or uncoordinated. "Early findings indicate that the 10 pilot communities have significantly improved their coordination of juvenile justice and substance abuse treatment services," said Jeffrey A. Butts, research fellow with the University of Chicago and member of the Reclaiming Futures evaluation team. Across the 10 communities, 12 out of the 13 indices have shown significant improvement since 2003, Butts said. For example, there have been significant improvements in drug and alcohol assessments, effectiveness of treatment and access to services. Communities report more families are involved in helping teens turn their lives around, and more teens who have struggled with drugs and alcohol are involved in positive social activities in their communities. Key elements of the Reclaiming Futures model include screening and assessing teens for drug and alcohol problems and assembling a team to develop a personal care plan; training drug and alcohol treatment providers in evidence-based practices that work with teens; and involving community members as mentors and role models to provide the support teens need. "Through systems change, Reclaiming Futures is making a difference in the health of youth and their families," said Kristin Schubert, RWJF program officer for Reclaiming Futures. "The pilot communities ultimately can serve as models for juvenile justice improvements across the nation." Communities using the Reclaiming Futures model screen and assess teens entering the juvenile justice system, match young people to clinical services and positive community opportunities, and provide care coordination and family support. Community leaders in these places work together as a team to assure that each part of the process functions effectively, remains accountable to the community and demonstrates progress, such as decreasing recidivism. "The judges, justice workers, treatment providers and community members in our Reclaiming Futures communities are working hard to bring about these important changes," said Laura Nissen, national program director. "While we've learned a great deal, there's still more to be done." In New Hampshire, Reclaiming Futures is supporting six Juvenile Drug Courts that serve about 60 youth a year: Nashua, Concord, Plymouth, Laconia, Derry, and Claremont. Its core partners are the New Hampshire District and Family Division Courts, Division of Juvenile Justice Services, Belknap County Citizen's Council, New Futures, Office of Alcohol and Drug Policy, and The Youth Council. For more information contact Project Director Ray Goodman at 603-271-6418 or rgoodman@courts.state.nh.us. ### About Reclaiming Futures About the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation |
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