Date of Award
6-2018
Culminating Project Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Criminal Justice: M.S.
Department
Criminal Justice
College
School of Public Affairs
First Advisor
D. Lee Gilbertson
Second Advisor
F. Barry Schreiber
Third Advisor
Patty Hlava
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Keywords and Subject Headings
juvenile substance abuse, prevention of youth substance abuse, interview study
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to discover the different perceptions of criminal justice practitioners regarding the prevention of youth substance abuse. In the collection of data, eighteen criminal justice professionals were interviewed who have experience working with youth with substance abuse and other issues. Interviews were recorded and transcribed by the researcher.
The data was collected by way of an interview schedule designed by the researcher. Questions include how the subjects are affiliated with the criminal justice system, how long they have worked with youth, whether they have children under the age of eighteen, and whether they are close to someone with a substance abuse problem. Also included are their views on the most effective strategies currently being used, what the ideal criminal justice response is, and what society can do to help reduce substance abuse among juveniles.
The results of this study are difficult to compile. The criminal justice practitioners interviewed had some difficulty in answering questions about what the most effective prevention strategies are in youth substance abuse prevention. They also had multiple views on the topic. Sometimes the interview questions may not have been completely understood. However, most did agree that family support and accountability play major roles in shaping youths’ beliefs and behaviors. Most also felt that a more aggressive approach to dealing with these issues would be beneficial.
Recommended Citation
Walton, Patricia J., "What Factors are Associated with Criminal Justice Professionals’ Opinions of Effective Strategies that Prevent Substance Abuse in America’s Youth?" (2018). Culminating Projects in Criminal Justice. 11.
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/cjs_etds/11
