Critical reflections on quality standards within drug demand reduction

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to critically reflect on the usefulness of quality standards aimed at prevention interventions for drug using young offenders. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses critical literature on quality standards, readings of quality standards and qualitative interviews as well as focus-group discussions with professionals working in services targeting drug use among young offenders. Findings The findings show discrepancies between the idea that quality standards provide a tool for supporting the implementation of more effective interventions and professionals’ experiences with quality standards as almost absent in their work. Originality/value This viewpoint highlights barriers to the implementation of quality standards that have to be overcome if quality standards are to be adopted and implemented in practice.