Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among Detained Youth

• NCJ Number: 243891
• Author(s): Karen M. Abram; Jeanne Y. Choe; Jason J. Washburn; Linda A. Teplin; Devon C. King; Mina K. Dulcan; Elena D. Bassett
• Date Published: July 2014
• Length: 12 pages
• Publication Series: OJJDP Beyond Detention Series
• Agencies: OJJDP
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored)

Annotation

This study examined the need for juvenile detention facilities to screen youth for suicide risk and increase psychiatric services.

Abstract

This bulletin summarizes the study's methods, findings, and implications of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among detained youth ages 10-18. Examined were the suicidal ideation and behaviors, the relationship between suicide attempts and psychiatric disorders, and differences by gender and race/ethnicity. Key findings include: approximately 1 in 10 juvenile detainees contemplated suicide in the past 6 months prior to detention, and 11 percent had attempted suicide; more than one-third of detainees thought about death or dying in the 6 months prior to detention; suicide attempts were most prevalent in female detainees and youth with anxiety disorders; and fewer than half of the detainees with suicidal thoughts told anyone. This bulletin is part of OJJDP's Beyond Detention series, which examines the findings of the Northwestern Juvenile Project, a large-scale longitudinal study of youth detained at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (CCJTDC) in Chicago, IL. Tables and references