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From Mental Health to Juvenile Justice: What Factors Predict This Transition?

NCJ Number
212152
Journal
Journal of Child and Family Studies Volume: 11 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2002 Pages: 299-311
Author(s)
Michelle A.. Scott Ph.D.; Lonnie Snowden Ph.D.; Anne M. Libby Ph.D.
Date Published
September 2002
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study identified youth in a public mental health system who were at risk for near-term, significant levels of juvenile justice institutionalization, with attention to the factors that accelerate the transition from mental health treatment to juvenile justice processing.
Abstract
The sample consisted of all Medicaid-eligible youth (n=5,455), ages 10 through 17, who were admitted to the public health system in Colorado during the period of July 1994 to August 1995. Approximately 8 percent (n=440) of mental health users had a juvenile justice detention or commitment following their mental health intake. The dataset for this sample encompassed demographic, mental health assessment information, and any juvenile justice detention or commitment. Logistic regression and Cox Proportional Hazards modeling were used to determine the risk factors for and timing of a subsequent juvenile justice detention of commitment during the three subsequent fiscal years (1994-1997). Risk factors for juvenile justice detention or commitment included being male, Black, or Hispanic; being in junior high school; being involuntarily admitted to mental health treatment; having a DSM-IV diagnosis of conduct disorder; and having alcohol problems, a constellation of risk behavior, and receiving prior mental health services. Factors that accelerated juvenile justice confinement after a mental health visit included most of the general risk factors; however, risky behavior and involuntary admission were no longer significant variables, while having a DSM-IV nonalcohol drug-use diagnosis, antisocial behavior, and school problems became significant. This study has helped to identify youth who are at risk for involvement in both mental health and juvenile justice systems, so they may be provided with services that can prevent multiple system use. 3 tables and 26 references