By Susan Broderick J.D., July 14 2011
[For a brief interview with the author on prosecutors and adolescent substance abuse in the juvenle justice system, watch the video below the section break. -Ed.]
Adolescent substance abuse is currently the biggest public health problem facing our country, according to a study released in June by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University.1 The report explains that efforts in the past decade that curbed underage drinking and drug usage may be losing their effect; the authors caution: “we can no longer write off adolescent substance use as bad behavior, as a rite of passage or as kids just being kids. The science is too clear, the facts are too compelling, the consequences are too devastating and the costs are simply too high.”2
What the Research Says
Alarming news, yet not surprising to those of us working in the field of juvenile justice (JJ). A 2004 study found that nearly 80% of juvenile offenders between the ages of 10-17, in juvenile justice systems are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs while committing their crimes, test positive for drugs, are arrested for an alcohol or drug offense, admit having a substance use or addiction problem, or share some combination of these characteristics.3 Therefore, most juvenile court prosecutors are confronted with issues relating to substance use on a regular basis.
While studies continue to reveal that kids are starting to use and/or abuse substances at younger ages and in near epidemic proportions,4 current research also offers hope in terms of effective treatment and recovery outcomes for those who abuse or become addicted to these substances.5 As a result, over the last few years there have been tremendous strides in responding to every aspect of the substance abuse spectrum. We are learning more about the importance of family involvement and peer-to-peer support for both prevention and intervention efforts. This growing body of research indicates that treatment, especially family-involved treatment, is effective in both reducing subsequent use and subsequent offending.6 Expanding the discussion beyond treatment and including issues surrounding recovery and 12-step programs have also been significant and important steps forward.7
Prosecutors: a Key Partner in Reform
In order to implement these very important findings, the information must be shared in communities nationwide. And prosecutors are essential allies in these efforts. The role of the prosecutor is a lofty one and is not limited to the inside of a courtroom. As community leaders, prosecutors are often in the best position to galvanize support and take the lead in changing the ways their jurisdictions address these issues. By working with parents, schools, doctors, and providers, prosecutors can initiate and coordinate the appropriate multi-disciplinary response on the prevention front. As the gatekeeper to the juvenile justice system, prosecutors make informed and appropriate decisions that will address the treatment needs of offenders while ensuring public safety and offender accountability. And for the serious and/or chronic offenders with substance use disorders, prosecutors can advocate for more effective and treatment-focused dispositions.
Through the MacArthur Foundation's Models for Change Initiative, Georgetown University’s Center for Juvenile Justice Reform (CJJR) works closely with prosecutors and multi-disciplinary team members from across the country to educate and coordinate their efforts on all aspects juvenile justice reform, including the issue of substance abuse. Through its reform efforts and collaborative initiatives, CJJR strives to dispel the notion that prosecutors are only concerned with “locking kids up” and instead focuses on the tremendous role that prosecutors can play in reform efforts. Juvenile prosecutors play a particularly significant role in diverting kids from the juvenile justice system by offering alternatives that not only keep kids out of entering the legal system, but also address any underlying disorders or issues so that these kids can stay out of the juvenile justice system.
A New Curriculum and How You Can Help
CJJR is in the process of developing a curriculum that will highlight the latest research and discuss programs and interventions that have been proven effective in preventing, intervening and treating substance abuse. By sharing this with prosecutors and other key allies in youth serving agencies, those on the frontlines and leadership will also be better equipped to work together to address these issues and lower recidivism as well. This, of course, will lead to what we all work towards – better outcomes for the kids and safer communities for all of us.
To learn more about the work of CJJR or to share successful programs that you are involved in, please contact Susan Broderick at sb434@georgetown.edu or 202-687-1527.
1The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University. (2011). Adolescent substance use: America’s #1 public health problem. Available online at: http://www.casacolumbia.org/templates/publications_reports.aspx.
2The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University. (2011). Adolescent substance use: America’s #1 public health problem. Page ii. Available online at: http://www.casacolumbia.org/templates/publications_reports.aspx.
3The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University. (2004). Criminal Neglect: Substance abuse, juvenile justice and the children left behind. New York: The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University.
4The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University. (2011). Adolescent substance use: America’s #1 public health problem. Available online at: http://www.casacolumbia.org/templates/publications_reports.aspx.
5Chassin, L., Knight, G., Vargas-Chanes, D., Losoya, S., Naranjo, D. (2009). Substance Use Treatment Outcomes in a Sample of Serious Juvenile Offenders, Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 36(2), 183-194.
6Chassin, L., Knight, G., Vargas-Chanes, D., Losoya, S., Naranjo, D. (2009). Substance Use Treatment Outcomes in a Sample of Serious Juvenile Offenders, Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 36(2), 183-194.
7Kelly, J.F. et al., Can 12-step group participation strengthen and extend the benefits of adolescent addiction treatment? A prospective analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend. (2010), doi: 10.1016?j.drugalcdep.2010.02.019
About the Author
Susan Broderick, J.D., is the Project Director for Center for Juvenile Justice Reform's MacArthur Foundation's Models for Change Initiative, where she supports the active participation of prosecutors in the reform efforts.
Susan worked as an Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney's Office from 1989 until 2003, where she was appointed Deputy Bureau Chief of the Family Violence and Child Abuse Bureau. She trained members of the New York City Police Department on child abuse and child fatalities, and served as a member of the Mayor's Child Abuse Task Force, the New York City Network on Abuse and Neglect, the New State Sexual Assault Legislative Subcommittee and the Mayor's Abandoned Infant Protection Act Subcommittee. Later, she directed the juvenile justice program at the National District Attorney's Association's (NDAA) National Center for the Prosecution of Child Abuse and served as the interim director of the NDAA's Research and Development Division.
She received her B.A. degree in Political Science from the State University of New York at Albany and graduated from St. John's University School of Law in 1989.
Photo at top: gorillaradio under Creative Commons license.
Updated: February 08 2018