A mixed methods implementation study of juvenile drug treatment courts

Abstract The Juvenile Drug Treatment Court (JDTC) Guidelines were developed to offer an evidence‐based model for providing treatment to youth with substance use disorders who enter the juvenile justice system. A national evaluation was conducted to assess practices used by JDTCs and to test the guidelines. Data include program‐level survey data; qualitative, guided discussions with JDTC staff; and court observations. Results reveal wide variation in the practices utilized by sites and their success in implementing the guidelines. These findings support the development of a best practice model for JDTCs to improve youth outcomes.