Juvenile Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment A Juvenile Court
Juvenile Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment A Juvenile Court Perspective on Related Issues Geoffrey A. Gaither Senior Magistrate Juvenile Division Marion Superior Court
Rock Paper Scissors
What is the Problem? n n Using others prescription drugs Using their own drugs in a way not suggested Sharing or selling drugs with their peers Using illegal drugs at an earlier age
Why do kids abuse prescription drugs? n n n n Get high Pain Relief Have fun Lose weight Easy to get Enhance performance (study aids, sports) Belief that prescription drugs are safer Reduce stress
Warning signs? n n n Physical appearance Taking risks Secretive actions Neglecting responsibilities Sudden change Friends n Behaviors – mood swings - isolation n Patterns – avoiding eye contact n
Where are kids getting the drugs from? n Family Parents n Grandparents n Extended n n Friends Pharmacists Doctors
What are the most common drugs? n Opiates Oxycodone (Oxycontin) n Hydrocodone (Vicodin) n Propoxyphene (Darvon) n Percocet n Codine n
Common Drugs n Depressants Valium n Xanax n Klonopin n Ambien n
Common Drugs n Stimulants Concerta n Ritalin n Adderall n
Common Scenario 1# n n n Teacher told principal a student may be under the influence of something Student was pulled from class Student smelled of alcohol and exhibited signs of intoxication Police officer discovered 10 blue pills in student’s back pack Pills tested positive for xanax
Common Scenario 2# n n Student was going through metal detector at school School police officer discovered marijuana pipe in book bag Further search revealed pill bottle with different name Pills tested positive for hydrocodone
Common Scenario 3# n n n Three students arrived late to school They were very loud School police officer went to investigate Officer smelled marijuana Two students had adderall in baggies Third student under the influence of an unknown substance
Common Scenario 4# n n n Police officer makes traffic stop Officer observes driver moving around, looking back and forth Officer approaches teenage driver who is looking very nervous Officer removes driver and finds pill bottle in the console Name on the bottle does not match driver or car owner
School Response to Possession Offenses n n n n n Varies and is inconsistent Automatic arrest Suspension Expulsion Refer to mandatory counseling Refer to optional counseling Sent home Drug testing Drug dog patrols
School Result Disparity Inner City Schools n Automatic arrests n Suspension n Expulsion n Alternative school placement n Zero tolerance n (This list includes at least one township school) Township Schools n Case by case n Referral to counseling services in lieu of expulsion n Behavioral contracts n School based drug/alcohol counseling services (proposed for Lawrence North/Central)
Juvenile Court Process n n n Arrest Initial Hearing Release or Detention Diversion, Trial, Plea or Waiver Disposition Probation n Placement n Treatment n Commitment n
Penalties for Possession n Marijuana 365 days in jail n 1 ½-3 years if weight greater than 30 grams n n Cocaine 3 years n 2 -8 years if weight greater than 3 grams n n Controlled Substances 3 years n 2 -8 years if on school property n
Penalties for Dealing n n Marijuana n 365 days n 3 yrs if buyer is under 18 n 2 -8 yrs if weight greater than 30 grams Cocaine and Controlled Substances n 6 -20 years n 20 -50 years n School or public property n Weight greater than 3 grams n Buyer is under 18 and at least 3 yrs younger than seller
Drug Court n n n Referred for program participation Charges are taken under advisement Agreement to stay clean and sober Provided with incentives and rewards for testing negative Consequences for positive tests or other relapse related behaviors Successful graduates are released from probation and cases are closed
Drug Court Barriers to Success n n No data to demonstrate long term effects of program participants Danger of exposing 1 st time users to peers with serious addiction issues Positive effects may not last beyond the program Difficulty in having an impact upon the child’s environment, parents, peers etc.
Outpatient Treatment Providers n n n n Fairbanks Gallahue Midtown Emberwood Reach for Youth IU/Riley Aspire
General Program Components n n n Orientation Evaluation Treatment Recommendations 6 weeks – 90 days n Individual/group discussions n Written exercises – worksheets n Role play n Feedback – pushback n Random urine analysis n Relapse n
Treatment Issues and Roadblocks n n n n Investment by client Reason for being in treatment Environment at home and school Time Parental drug use Family lack of engagement Level of addiction Presence of other issues
Roadmap for Success n n n Client engagement Parental participation Early intervention n n School programs Client’s support environment School n Neighborhood n Friends n
Top Ten Ways to Keep Your Child Out of Juvenile Court n n n Know their friends Visit the school Meet the teachers Discuss the day Share a vision Worship together n n Hug your child Set proper rules Set the proper example Use appropriate discipline
YOUR MOVE
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