Perceptions of Juvenile Court Staff Regarding Occupational Functioning of Adjudicated Youth with History of Substance Use

Background: Substance use disorder has become a more prevalent issue with the younger population. Within a Southern Ohio county approximately 120 adolescents are served yearly for substance related events. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to understand the occupational needs of the adolescent population served by the court based on the perceptions of the juvenile court staff. Methods: Six participants at a Southern Ohio county juvenile court, who have regular contact with the youth, received a mixed methods survey concerning the youths’ daily living skills and barriers they may encounter. Conclusion: Based on the survey results it was noted that the youth, with a history of substance use, served by the court experience occupational dysfunction in the areas of: Activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, sleep, social participation, leisure, work, and education. The information from the survey will help future occupational therapy students serve the population