JUVENILE TREATMENT

Spectrum's Juvenile Division was established in 1987 to meet the needs of at-risk youth with substance abuse and behavioral issues. All of Spectrum's juvenile treatment programs are based on modalities of proven effectiveness, supported by a standardized curriculum, delivered by highly trained clinicians and geared toward successful community integration.

Spectrum utilizes a multidisciplinary approach that considers juvenile drug use in terms of a network of influences including individual, family, peer and community. Our methods address the numerous issues that are known contributors to juvenile substance abuse and delinquency, such as family functioning, interpersonal relations, impulse control, and responses to authority.

Spectrum believes that one of the most effective strategies to serving youth is to involve their families throughout the treatment process. Special focus is placed on working with family members to improve communications and target resolutions for parent-adolescent conflict.

Emphasis is also placed on relapse prevention strategies and aftercare planning to aid in the youth's successful transition to the community. In preparation for discharge, all youth develop a concrete and practical aftercare plan to ensure continued recovery and positive community living.

Spectrum currently provides a full continuum of juvenile justice services in Massachusetts ranging from community re-entry centers to fully secure treatment programs.

In total, Spectrum serves nearly 800 youth each day.