May 2001

A Message From OJJDP The establishment of juvenile drug court programs and their integration into other juvenile justice sanctions and services is 1 of the 12 purpose areas of the Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grants (JAIBG) program. Part of OJJDP抯 JAIBG Best Practices Series, this Bulletin provides local officials with the perspectives of juvenile justice practitioners and policymakers who have juvenile drug court program experience. Often established within juvenile courts, juvenile drug courts are intensive treatment programs that provide specialized services for drug-involved youth and their families. Initial assessment of juvenile drug courts indicates considerable promise. The information and resources provided within this Bulletin should facilitate the development of constructive, well-conceived programs that will improve the juvenile justice system抯 capacity to hold offenders accountable and protect the public.

Juvenile Drug Court Programs Caroline S. Cooper Introduction Indicators of Need Key Elements of a Juvenile Drug Court Program Program Planning and Implementation Program抯 Potential Impact on Juvenile Justice System Components Potential Impact on Accountability of Youth Affected Conclusion Resources References

Points of view or opinions expressed in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of OJJDP or the U.S. Department of Justice. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, and the Office for Victims of Crime. Acknowledgments Caroline S. Cooper is Associate Director of the Justice Programs Office, School of Public Affairs, American University, Washington, DC, and Director of the OJP Drug Court Clearinghouse and Technical Assistance Project. The Drug Courts Program Office, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, contributed to the review and preparation of this Bulletin.

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