MI Implementation in Juvenile Justice: A Case Report |
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Authors: | Merrian J. Brooks DO MS Joshua Leskovac MS Mark F. Benedetto MS Elizabeth Miller MD PhD Edward P. Mulvey PhD |
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Affiliation: | 1. Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine;2. Mercer County Juvenile Probation Department;3. Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine;4. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic |
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Abstract: | Motivational interviewing (MI) is a communication style focused on enhancing clients’ own motivation towards change. In the justice system MI has evidence to support that it enhances communication and change behaviors in youth. As most MI training is designed for healthcare settings training and implementation of MI must be adapted to fit the juvenile justice model. This includes both rehabilitation and restorative justice. Here we describe the details that allowed one county small county in Pennsylvania to roll out MI training and initial skills review in less than 6 months. The case reviews the details of planning, trainings, and timing of activities. We then discuss what elements of those details fit into a greater implementation plan that may be applied elsewhere. Four key elements were instrumental to implementation: 1) appreciation of JPO time constraints, 2) cost containment 3) using blending to enhance JPO flexibility with MI use, and 4) policies that normalize use of MI. This outline may assist other courts in their own implementation efforts. |
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Keywords: | motivational interviewing counseling substance use juvenile justice |
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