Juvenile-justice systems need to involve communities and family members in connecting youth to mentors, jobs, and community services to prevent crime and addiction, according to a new report from the Reclaiming Futures project.

The report, Moving Toward Equal Ground, suggests ways to improve treatment services and outcomes in the juvenile-justice system. "Families and community members have the right to be involved and need to be involved in all aspects of helping youth in the justice system who struggle with alcohol and drug use," said Laura Nissen, Ph.D., national program director of Reclaiming Futures. "They can shape the way the system treats these youth, and provide the positive social opportunities needed to keep them out of trouble."

Reclaiming Futures provides a model for serving youth involved in the juvenile-justice system, including screening adolescents for alcohol and other drug use and providing access to treatment and links to employers, mentors, and volunteer service projects.

The report includes "lessons learned" and case studies from communities that have successfully implemented the Reclaiming Futures model.