This epidemiological study measures the prevalence of mental health and substance abuse problems in a random sample of 280 youth aged 10-17 years who were admitted to King County, Washington juvenile detention facility. Using an in-person interview format and standardized psychometric instruments, the study examined the relationship between these problems and role functioning at home, school, and community. The results showed the majority of detaiined youth had suffered recent exposure to multiple traumatic events (51%) and were using substances illegally on multiple occasions throughout the week (69%). One quarter of the youth reported witnessing the murder of a relative or friend within the past year. A high proportion had depression (27%) and anxiety (11%) scores in the clinical range. Forty-three percent of the total sample of detained youth reported both mental health problems AND substance use. The majority was not only in serious trouble in the community, but had severe functional impairment in their two most fundamental life domains: home and school. One third were not in school, and one quarter did not have a home. Poor mental health was strongly associated to functional impairment. Although a small proportion of the youth were actually participating in normal teenage activities, such as playing on a sports team, playing music with a group, or attending a church, a high proportion reported that they were interested in getting involved with these activities. We will discuss the implications of these findings for providing community-based supports for adolescents in the juvenile justice system with co-occurring disorders.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Jails and Prisons, Mental Illness
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.