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Screening the Mental Health Needs of Youths in Juvenile Detention

NCJ Number
195969
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 53 Issue: 2 Dated: Spring 2002 Pages: 43-50
Author(s)
Philip D. Nordness M.A.; Michelle Grummert M.S.; Dennis Banks; Michelle L. Schindler; Mallie M. Moss M.A.; Ken Gallagher; Michael H. Epstein Ed.D.
Date Published
2002
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study examined the number of youths who presented symptoms of a mental health disorder at intake into a juvenile detention center.
Abstract
At least 68 percent of the 204 youths assessed (with the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument -- Second Version) at intake identified symptoms of a mental health disorder. With the increasing recognition of mental health and behavioral disorders of youths, the overlap between mental health and juvenile justice services has become more evident. Several researchers have documented that 70-90 percent of youths in the juvenile justice system meet official criteria for at least one psychiatric diagnosis, with conduct disorder and substance abuse disorders being the most prevalent. The paper suggests that juvenile justice systems provide gender-specific mental health treatment and include in mental health treatment for females information on sexual abuse, family conflict resolution, self-esteem, and vocational training. Juvenile justice systems should tailor treatment programs to address the high rates of co-morbidity of mental health disorders among incarcerated youths. Finally, given the significant number of youths experiencing co-morbid disorders in juvenile justice settings and their complexity of mental health needs, juvenile justice facilities should incorporate a multi-disciplinary approach to mental health treatment. Tables, note, references