Intervening with high risk youth: a program model

This paper describes a program model being implemented for older, high-risk adolescents who are beginning to exhibit significant substance use problems. The program provides an initial assessment and refers clients to appropriate services. Only a small percentage are being referred to inpatient treatment; most clients enter outpatient intervention groups, which are conducted by the program. These groups have three purposes: to allow staff to monitor and evaluate clients so that those who are in imminent danger can be placed in protective treatment settings; to help clients see themselves as candidates for recovery and to introduce them to treatment resources by accompanying them to AA and NA meetings; and to change behavior, a goal that seems more immediately achievable for youth with stable community ties who have more to lose if they get into further trouble. Besides describing the program model, this paper examines some of the difficulties of getting referrals from a variety of community agencies.