Development of a Profile of Emotionally Disturbed Delinquents Whose Needs May Not Be Met Within the Current System: Final Research Report to the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council

• NCJ Number: 163646
• Author(s): C L Frame; M Wierson; R L Forehand; L P Armistead; T L Kempton; C A De Vincentis; B D Neighbors
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 133 pages
• Corporate Author: University of Georgia
• Sale Source: University of Georgia
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Juvenile delinquents in Georgia were studied with respect to the incidence of emotional disturbances, the extent to which the needs of youths with emotional disturbances are being met, and the types of treatment facilities likely to be needed in the near and distant future.

Abstract

The analysis used information from a review of available empirical literature, interviews with clinical directors of youth detention centers, an analysis of official statistics and the programs of individual treatment facilities, and data from a sample of 114 youths. Results revealed high rates of emotional disturbance requiring clinical intervention, coupled with low rates of placement in facilities where suitable treatment could be provided. More than half of incarcerated delinquents probably have one or more diagnosable psychiatric disorders. However, corrections agencies have only limited mental health personnel, who can attend only with crisis situations. Although the current system of assigning mental health levels is theoretically sound, it may not be operating as intended. Nevertheless, it is essential to identify and treat mental health problems when they occur in juvenile delinquency. Reference lists and appended study instruments