by Patricia Corbett Ward

This paper affords readers a comprehensive overview and analysis of current research which supports the need for standardized alcohol and other drug abuse screenings for adolescents who encounter the criminal justice system. It offers an understanding of what screening entails, the benefits of a standardized screening for adolescent offenders, female-specific screening, recidivism rates of substance using and non-using adolescent offenders, and commonalities that exist in substance-using adolescent offenders. Finally, a discussion of the findings suggests implications and needs for future research.