Author ORCID Identifier
0000-0002-1427-7604
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-15-2021
Publication Title
Justice Evaluation Journal
Abstract
Drug testing is a frequent condition of juvenile justice programs, although research on the effects of drug testing juveniles – especially early system-involved youth – is scarce. The risk-needsresponsivity (RNR) model suggests drug testing would only be a beneficial intervention if substance use contributes to a youth’s criminal behavior and has a rehabilitative component. We examined drug testing policies and practices in one Midwestern state utilizing interviews with 27 diversion program managers and a statewide sample of 665 youth referred to pretrial diversion. Analysis tested whether drug testing juveniles with and without a substance use need predicted successful completion of diversion and decreased the probability of future system involvement. Results indicated that drug testing was not a significant predictor of successfully completing diversion, nor did it decrease youths’ odds of recidivating in the year after discharge from diversion. Further, those with a substance use need were significantly less likely to successfully complete diversion than those without a substance use need, indicating that diversion programs should utilize rehabilitative methods for addressing criminogenic drug or alcohol needs.
Recommended Citation
Harris, Chelsea W. and Wylie, Lindsey E., "Drug Testing Policies and Practices: Predicting Successful Outcomes Among Juveniles Participating in Pretrial Diversion Programs" (2021). Criminology and Criminal Justice Faculty Publications. 90.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/criminaljusticefacpub/90