Prevention Intervention for Drug Use and Related Behaviors for Incarcerated Youth

Funding Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Funding Period: 2008-2012
Principal Investigator: Noelle R. Leonard, Ph.D.
CDUHR Co-Investigator(s): Charles M. Cleland, Ph.D.; Marya Gwadz, Ph.D.
Other Project Staff: Zohar Massey, M.P.H. (Assistant Project Director); Leslie Booker (Counselor); Patricia Chang (Research Assistant; Jessica Linick (Research Assistant); Michael Pass (Research Assistant); Isaiah Pickens (Counselor); Audrey Watson (Research Assistant); Christina Laitner (Intern); Betty Wang (Intern)

Youth offenders have high rates of mental health problems and substance use and abuse, which increase the likelihood of recidivism and also place them at elevated risk for HIV. Youth who are incarcerated are more likely to have higher rates of mental health problems and to have committed crimes involving violence. While incarceration provides the opportunity for treatment, the availability of treatment often falls short of what is required to reduce recidivism and enhance mental health. There is growing recognition that difficulties in regulating emotions underlie mental health and substance use problems in this group. Power Source is a prevention intervention that was developed by providers who work with offending youth and has been adopted by juvenile detention facilities across the United States but has not yet been tested for efficacy. The Power Source intervention uses behavioral skills-building training and mindfulness meditation to target impulse control, anger management, stress reduction and conflict resolution. In a multi-session group randomized trial, the study will examine the effects of the Power Source intervention on behavior problems, recidivism, delinquent behavior and HIV-related sexual and substance use risk behaviors among incarcerated youth aged 16-18 in a New York City jail. Results of the study will be disseminated widely and used to design a subsequent, larger trial of the Power Source intervention.