Adjudicated youth with mental health problems in juvenile justice residential programs are at overwhelming risk of re-offending once they return to their home environments (NMHA, 1998). Up to 70% of youth in the juvenile justice system have a diagnosable mental or emotional disorder and 20% have a serious disorder (NMHA, 1998). These youth often do not receive mental health services while in the juvenile justice system. This exploratory study addressed the following questions: 1. How many adjudicated male youth in residential placement exhibited mental health problems at the time of admission? What are the key characteristics (e.g., race, SES, family situation) of these youth? What are the youth and family factors that contribute to juvenile justice placement for these youth? The sample was comprised of adjudicated male youth (N=381) in residential placement during 1997. A review of the intake, treatment, and post discharge records was completed. In addition, case profiles were developed of these youth and factors influencing placement were identified. The findings indicate that youth of color are over-represented in residential care. Impoverished conditions, substance abuse, single parent families and lack of mental health services were key factors in the placement decisions. Only 25 % of the youth received mental health treatment while in placement. Youth in this study had several contacts with the social service network, the juvenile justice system and the mental health system prior to placement in residential care. Implications for social work practice in prevention and intervention for these youth are discussed.
Learning Objectives: After this presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Identify key issues in the assessment of mental health needs of adjudicated youth in residential care in a prevention framework. 2. Discuss issues that face adjudicated youth in need of mental health services and the juvenile justice response to these identified needs across the prevention spectrum. 3. Address implications for social work practice with adjudicated youth with mental health problems
Keywords: Adult and Child Mental Health, Mental Health Services
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Boysville of Michigan, Inc. (Provides residential care for adjudicated youth in Michigan and Ohio)
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.