This NIJ research report (NCJ 186156) summarizes existing knowledge about efforts to intervene in the drug-crime cycle and proposes promising interventions and programmatic changes that will successfully address that cycle. A key approach to interrupting the juvenile drug-crime cycle is an integrated case management strategy that coordinates the diverse needs of juveniles from entry into the juvenile justice system until they no long require services. The most promising models combined both a strengths-based and an assertive, proactive approach by juvenile case managers.

The study found that key strategies for a successful outcome include a single point of entry to the juvenile justice system, an immediate and comprehensive assessment that considers the juvenile's entire life situation, an active judicial role in ensuring the juvenile's adherence to recommended treatment services, and treatment that takes the juvenile's substance abuse problems into account.