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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Catherine A. Gallagher, PhD, Justice, Law and Crime Policy, George Mason University, MSN3F4, Department of Public and International Affairs, Fairfax, VA 22030, 703-993-8480, cgallag4@gmu.edu

Suicide is the leading cause of death in juvenile justice residential facilities, and upwards of 1400 young people per year require emergency medical care (beyond mental health care) for injuries related to suicide attempts. For the size of the population and the number of at-risk-days, the rates of deaths and injuries are substantially higher than those found for adolescents in the general population. Further, recent data suggest a 50% increase in the number of suicide deaths in 2004. The purpose of this study is to provide an in-depth review of the incidence and prevalence of deaths and injuries occurring in the population of young people housed in juvenile justice residential facilities. Age, sex, and race-specific rates are calculated and compared to general population figures. This is followed by an exploration of patterns of suicide deaths and injuries in custody. Multinomial logit models are developed to assess changes in odds of suicide deaths and injuries. Protective and risk factors are discussed. Data come from a new series on deaths in custody collected in the 2004 administration of the Juvenile Residential Facility Census. These data are also matched to the 2005 Census of Juveniles in Residential Placement to expand the descriptive potential of the models.

Learning Objectives: This presentation will enable participants to

• Describe the incidence and prevalence of suicide and related injuries in the population of adolescents housed in juvenile justice residential facilities
• Identify risk and protective factors at the facility- and individual-level
• Promote evidence-based suicide prevention in juvenile justice facilities

Keywords: Suicide, Adolescents

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation