Every day, youth with mental health, substance use and co-occurring disorders come in contact with the juvenile justice system. The reasons for this contact are varied. Sometimes youth come in contact with the system as the result of behavior that draws the police and culminates in an arrest. Other times, the youth is referred by school officials who are convinced the childs behavior or truancy patterns reflect a need for intervention by the justice system. Sometimes, a parent or guardian turns to the juvenile justice system because they believe the youth is out-of-control and have been advised that the legal authorities can help them get needed services and support their efforts to supervise their child. Regardless of the manner by which the child is referred to the system, involving families in all stages of the system is critical to ensuring positive outcomes for justice-involved youth with mental health issues. To facilitate their involvement, families need information, training and support at all stages of their childs experience with the juvenile justice system. This brief provides information on the benefits of family participation, and specific techniques for involving families at each stage of the juvenile justice system. (GCP)