How Does the Canadian Juvenile Justice System Respond to Detained Youth with Substance Use Associated Problems? Gaps, Challenges, and Emerging Issues

Abstract

Despite a juvenile justice system that, since its inception in 1908, has been predicated on meeting the rehabilitative needs of youth, Canada has few specialized programs for substance misusing young offenders, preferring more holistic approaches. This is in keeping with an addictions treatment system that has evolved recently in the direction of more integrated services within the general health care and social services delivery systems. In addition, Canada has tended to emphasize community-based over institutional treatment programs. Nevertheless, for youth in conflict with the law, “substance abuse” is recognized as a significant risk factor for recidivism. The approximately 9000 young persons held in custodial facilities on any given day across the country are exposed to a variety of programs aimed at reducing antisocial behavior and hence, re-offending. Some of these have a substance use component. Programs for Aboriginal youth offer some of the most innovative approaches for particular drug use problems. This article provides an overview of the Canadian response and elaborates features of some programs, particularly Multisystemic Therapy, mainly in the province of Ontario. Few programs have received adequate evaluation, however, and the need for systematic assessment is crucial for the development of future effective interventions for youth with multiple drug and other problems.