Qualitative exploration of experiences with the adolescent community reinforcement approach with assertive continuing care among youth being released from juvenile incarceration

Substance use disorders and opioid use disorders are powerful predictors for re-incarceration for youth exiting the legal system. An intervention that has been shown to be effective in achieving better outcomes for adolescents is Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach with Assertive Continuing Care (A-CRA/ACC). The purpose of this study was to describe youth perspectives on the effects of the intervention to better understand possible mechanisms by which A-CRA/ACC functions in program participants. Twenty individuals were recruited in partnership with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families Juvenile Rehabilitation System. All participants were part of a larger parent study, Preventing Opioids through Successful Transition. Participants underwent one 30-minute interview with a single interviewer. Transcripts of interviews were then analyzed to determine common themes. Analysis demonstrated major themes that included positive relationships, life skills, communication, problem solving, quality-of-life improvements, and diffusion of benefits into the community. Findings were consistent with a positive response to the intervention.