Using Evidence-Based Practices to Improve Juvenile Drug Treatment Courts

Abstract

Abstract Juvenile drug treatment courts (JDTCs) are a frequent response to justice-involved youth who engage in substance use. Despite the frequent implementation of JDTCs since the 1990s, the evidence base for their effectiveness and courts’ adherence to the underlying JDTC theory of change is limited. This chapter offers an overview of the underlying foundation of these interventions and identifies and describes their key components and processes. It then assesses relevant evaluation studies in this area to reach some conclusions about current knowledge regarding JDTCs. Based on that review of key evidence to date, we then offer suggestions on how knowledge about JDTCs may be improved to facilitate better practice. The chapter concludes with some summary points about the state of the JDTC evidence base and thoughts for future consideration.