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Juvenile Courts

Alcohol misuse is a significant problem among young people in the United States, and its reach extends beyond simple social drinking. Reports of binge drinking among minors detail tragic outcomes such as DUI arrests, alcohol poisoning, hospitalization and, in some cases, death. On the court side are news stories reporting horrific tales of mounting alcohol misuse and crime among college students − associating it with assault, rape, theft, vandalism, and even murder. In all aspects, the problem comes down to minors not being able to drink responsibly or in moderation.

SCRAMx is a tool that drives accountability in minors to examine their alcohol dependency and attain the long-term sobriety needed to stay in school, hold jobs, and become responsible young citizens. SCRAMx is currently being used in campus programs across the country as a condition of avoiding expulsion, staying out of jail, and getting lives back on track through a combination of sanction and treatment. It can also be used as part of an integrated alcohol intervention program with other elements such as parental notification, community service, and alcohol education classes.

Key objectives of SCRAMx usage with underage offenders include:

  • Ensures compliance with court-ordered terms of alcohol abstinence
  • Promotes greater accountability
  • Provides evidence-based assessment and detection
  • Assesses the underage offender’s alcohol dependency and drinking patterns to help tailor individualized treatment programs
  • Promotes better outcomes when combined with treatment
  • Allows the underage offender to attend school and hold a job, while being monitored and seeking treatment

How can house arrest be used with juveniles? Find out »