Helping build a system of treatment services for youth in California is a priority for ADPI.

Substance abuse disorders tend to have an early onset. Findings from the 2005-2006 California Student Survey indicate that 21% of 11th graders reported binge drinking at least once in the past 30 days. About half of that group binged on at least 3 of the past 30 days.

However, in 2006, barely 10% of persons receiving publicly funded treatment in California were under the age of 18. The median age of those who do enter treatment is 30. In the absence of treatment, AOD using youth become AOD using adults.

 

ADPI Reports and Analysis

 

MAYSI-2 Statewide Screening-California: Description of Alcohol/Drug Use & Mental Health Symptoms Among Youth as Identified by the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument-2.

This 2006 study screened 2,989 youth at 56 sites across nine California counties. Results indicated that youths involved with the juvenile justice system – or at risk for involvement with it – reported high rates of AOD use as well as co-occurring mental health symptoms when compared to youths in mainstream schools. Overall, the results suggest that, among juvenile justice and high risk youth, there is a great need for substance use and mental health interventions. Also, a significant percent of mainstream youth would likely benefit from further assessment and treatment.

Adolescent Substance Abuse: Needs and Services Planning Final Report.

This 2004 report sets forth a framework for the design and development of an adolescent AOD treatment system. The paper describes the current system and its limitations; identifies elements of a model treatment system; and discusses current and potential revenues for financing the model. This report was produced under a grant of funds from the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation.

Links to Other Resources on Youth