NCJ Number
178256
Journal
Juvenile Justice Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Dated: April 2000 Pages: 1-41
Editor(s)
Eileen M. Garry
Date Published
April 2000
Length
44 pages
Annotation
This issue of “Juvenile Justice” addresses important mental health issues affecting many youth in the juvenile justice system. It looks at model juvenile mental health programs directed at the prevention of juvenile delinquency.
Abstract
In the first article, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers are encouraged to learn more about youth with mental disorders and become more involved in the juvenile justice system to enhance the quality of services provided to them. Violent juvenile crime statistics, cases of neglect and inadequate services, as well as Federal policy initiatives focused on providing systems of care for at-risk juveniles has propelled mental health issues into the headlines. One article discusses solutions to these problems in the design and implementation of effective treatment models; effective treatment models for youth in the juvenile justice system who have serious emotional, mental health and behavioral needs can be difficult. Another article which focuses on the mental health needs of juveniles that extends to those in custody is another area of concern to juvenile justice practitioners; suicide while in custody is of particular concern. Recommendations are offered for the prevention of suicide in juvenile facilities and for providing mental health services to the youth confined in those facilities. The section entitled, “In Brief” contains information on programs and initiatives in mental health supported by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and summaries on additional publications.