NCJ Number
186269
Journal
Juvenile Justice Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Dated: April 2000 Pages: 3-13
Editor(s)
Eileen M. Garry
Date Published
April 2000
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Violent crime by juveniles, documented cases of neglect and inadequate services, and Federal policy initiatives focusing on providing systems of care for at-risk juveniles have propelled mental health issues among juvenile offenders into the headlines.
Abstract
The recognition of mental health needs among youth, the prevalence of mental health disorders among youth, and emerging strategies and models to deal with mental health issues among youth in the juvenile justice system have come to the forefront on both the Federal and State level. These are relevant to discussions on how to improve the field’s understanding and response to mental health needs of juveniles. Although this review deals with youth in the juvenile justice system as a whole, research on variations in prevalence, needs, and types of treatment services must also consider issues surrounding particular populations, such as minority youth and youthful female offenders. Several critical points are made: (1) a large number of youth who come in contact with the system require mental health treatment; (2) there is a growing recognition of the needs and the inadequate assessments and services provided; and (3) a set of clear strategies and useful models and tools are emerging. References.