Phase I:

This is the most intensive phase of the Family-Focused

Juvenile Drug Court is the most difficult. This phase is

where most of the client’s (and family’s) resistance

takes place.

Not all juveniles who enter treatment are addicted.

There are an infinite number of other underlying

factors which contribute to their negative behavior.

Determining, on an individualized basis, what issues

each family must work on is the core of phase I. A

comprehensive family assessment is completed on each

family member. and the whole family unit.

Phase II:

Phase II is where intensive counseling is done. Coun-

selors begin by restructuring faulty family structure if

evident. The establishment of responsibilty specific to

roles of parents and adolescents. This is especially evident

in single-parent families.

Establishing communication and coping skills is second

essential element in Phase II. Many families have lost

their ability to effectively communicate their needs to

each other. This is also the time when counselors will

identify, address, and educate the family on relapse

prevention techniques.