NCJ Number
185414
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 62 Issue: 6 Dated: October 2000 Pages: 157-158
Date Published
October 2000
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Data revealing that at least 60 percent of children in the juvenile justice system have recognizable mental health problems and that as many as 20 percent are seriously mentally ill have led to State laws and a proposal before Congress to improve the mental health assessment, evaluation, and treatment of these youths.
Abstract
Studies also indicate that 50-75 percent of juvenile delinquents have both mental health disorders and drug abuse problems. Some State laws require mental health evaluations for children who commit certain misdemeanors or felonies. Other State laws require a review of mental health services for juveniles. Other States are addressing school-based services for at-risk children. A proposal before Congress would establish grants for partnerships between State and local juvenile justice agencies and mental health authorities for the creation and implementation of programs for juveniles with mental health or drug abuse problems who come into contact with the justice system. In addition, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is working with the Center for Mental Health Services to strengthen the capacity of its child mental health sites to serve offenders in the juvenile justice system. States can continue to use research findings to improve the ability of their systems to assess and treat this population in an appropriate and effective manner. List of resource organizations and 3 references