Conclusions
The study reported in this Bulletin represents the first investigation of the Voice DISC–IV in juvenile justice settings. The results demonstrate that use of a systematic instrument for assessing psychiatric disorders is feasible in juvenile justice settings. The assessment was well tolerated by youth and their parents and by the agency/institution staff who were involved in administration procedures. Two findings provide initial support for the validity of the Voice DISC–IV assessment:- Youth who met the Voice DISC–IV criteria for substance use diagnoses
had been incarcerated for substance offenses.
- The rate of suicide attempts in the past month reported by youth in this study is comparable to the rate of suicide attempts by youth in the past month reported by facilities in the Conditions of Confinement study.
Thus, this initial feasibility study demonstrates that a comprehensive, scientifically sound diagnostic instrument can be a valuable part of mental health assessment for youth in the juvenile justice system.
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