Health Care for the Juvenile Justice Population

• NCJ Number: 230457
• Journal: Georgetown Journal on Poverty Law & Policy Volume: 16 Dated: 2009 Pages: 611-629
• Author(s): Catherine A. Gallagher
• Date Published: 2009
• Length: 19 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Symposium Issue 2009 for additional articles see NCJ-230452-56 and NCJ-230458-59.

Annotation

After reviewing evidence on health care in the juvenile justice system, this article proposes steps for improving the health care provided these youth.

Abstract

Based on a review of relevant data and research literature, the article draws six conclusions about health care in the juvenile justice system. First, youth involved with the juvenile justice system have a higher prevalence of nearly all measured health conditions than youth in the general population; and second, the health care needs of these socioeconomically disadvantaged youth are not being met by the justice system. Third, despite clear evidence that the juvenile justice population is at high risk for complex physical and mental health conditions, the system is filled with obstacles that prevent the delivery of appropriate health care. Fourth, there is no consensus among researchers and policymakers regarding the best model for health care delivery in the juvenile justice system, and evidence-based guidelines are not yet available. Fifth, data exist on the health characteristics of the juvenile justice population and the health services they receive while under the care of the system, so there is a clear picture of where health service gaps exist. Sixth, there is a legal and philosophical mandate for providing health care to the juvenile justice population, but the standard for such care remains debatable. This article advises that it is the responsibility of the research community to work with clinicians and justice professionals to identify and answer the key clinical and implementation questions and to develop algorithms to assist health workers in providing care to needy justice-involved youth. The legal community must achieve a balance between the health and legal needs of these youth, embracing the contributions of the research community so that actions are systematic and effective in matching services to needs. 4 figures and 69 notes