Finding possible policy solutions to CMHC and JJ barriers to care

Alliances to Disseminate Addiction Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) focuses on reducing substance use among juvenile justice involved youth in rural counties. I have been supporting this initiative since the start of my internship. Juvenile Justice sites and Community Mental Health Centers have been facing issues with providing treatment. For example, a certain number of youth (let’s say 10) have addiction needs. As they progress through the various systems, only a small number (1) will complete treatment. I will use our data and conduct literature reviews to find policy-related barriers to care. I will then “pitch” possible solutions, which could be presented to the program’s State Advisory Board.

Supervisor: Dr. Matthew Aalsma
Department: Pediatrics