NCJ Number
58721
Journal
Pediatrics Volume: 52 Issue: 3 Dated: (SEPTEMBER 1973) Pages: 434-457
Date Published
1973
Length
8 pages
Annotation
BECAUSE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE ARE AMONG THE RESPONSIBILITIES THE STATE ASSUMES IN REMOVING CHILDREN AND YOUTH FROM THEIR HOMES, THIS ARTICLE OUTLINES HEALTH STANDARDS FOR JUVENILE COURT RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES.
Abstract
HEALTH PROGRAMS IN JUVENILE COURT FACILITIES MUST BE BROAD AND COMPREHENSIVE; THEY MUST GO BEYOND THE MERE PROVISION OF MEDICAL CARE, AND THE EXTENT OF CARE WHICH SHOULD BE OFFERED WILL DEPEND ON THE TIME OR A JUVENILE'S INSTITUTIONALIZATION. EVERY INSTITUTION WHICH CONFINES JUVENILES SHOULD HAVE A HEALTH PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROTECT AND PROMOTE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING, DISCOVER THOSE IN NEED OF SHORT- OR LONG-TERM MEDICAL AND DENTAL TREATMENT, AND CONTRIBUTE TO REHABILITATION BY APPROPRIATE DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND FOLLOWUP CARE AFTER RELEASE. DESIGNED TO HELP PRACTITIONERS ATTAIN THESE GOALS, THE STANDARDS OUTLINED IN THIS ARTICLE CENTER ON THE THREE FOLLOWING FACETS OF INSTITUTIONAL HEALTH CARE: (1) ADMINISTRACTIVE STRUCTURE OF HEALTH PROGRAMS--THE ROLE OF AN INTERDISCIPLINARY HEALTH COUNCIL, SOURCE OF OUTSIDE TECHNICAL ADVICE, OPERATION OF HEALTH PROGRAMS, RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARD PATIENTS, AND REVIEW PROCEDURES; (2) HEALTH SERVICES--ADMISSION INSPECTION, HEALTH ASSESSMENT, CORRECTION OF HEALTH DEFECTS, CARE OF ILLNESS OR EMERGENCIES, AND DENTAL CARE; AND (3) HEALTH PROTECTION--HEALTH SERVICE FACILITIES, DENTAL FACILITIES, THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT OF INSTITUTIONS, MENTAL HEALTH ASPECTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH EDUCATION, AND EMPLOYEE SELECTION. REFERENCES ARE INCLUDED. (KBL)