NCJ Number
167146
Journal
Journal for Juvenile Justice and Detention Services Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1997) Pages: 18-23
Date Published
1997
Length
6 pages
Annotation
A total of 555 detained youths were tested, 80 of which had extensive diagnostic interviews, in an effort to determine the social and psychological relationship between depression, suicidal behavior, and misconduct; implications for screening high-risk juveniles, the comorbidity of other mental health issues, and their relevance to treatment planning is discussed.
Abstract
The research was conducted by the Oregon Research Institute, which collected data between November 1992 and July 1995 at the Skipworth Juvenile Home. The study concludes that when the percentages of lifetime suicidal ideations of 31.6 percent for males and 51.1 percent for females is reviewed with the previous history of suicide attempts of 15.1 percent for males and 39.8 percent for females, it is clear that adolescents in a juvenile detention facility are at high risk for self-destructive behavior. The fact of being in a juvenile detention facility, in and of itself, is likely a more sensitive indicator for the potential of suicide than standardized screening devices used in the general community. It is therefore necessary to develop screening instruments that are specific to the dynamics of this population of juveniles. The identification of current suicidal ideations as well as the potential for an attempt within detention is necessary for a proactive approach to this problem. The authors advise that there continue to be obstacles in attempts to better understand the problems presented by depression and suicidal behavior within closed custody. Suggestions for further research are offered. 5 tables and 7 references