Mental health and substance abuse problems among detained juveniles: Disturbing prevalence

Estimates of the prevalence of mental health and substance abuse problems among incarcerated individuals vary rather widely, from as low as 20% to nearly 100%. This wide variation may be due in part to a number of factors, including differences in diagnostic procedures and instrumentation, level of incarceration (for example, in a low- or high-security facility), and geographic location of the facility. Most researchers, however, suggest that many incarcerated persons suffer from a variety of mental health and substance abuse problems, and believe that the lack of proper screening, diagnosis, and treatment of these problems may facilitate continued contact with the justice system. The purpose of this presentation is to document a coordinated statewide assessment of mental health and substance abuse problems in juveniles processed into Idaho's juvenile detention center. Data from over two years of mental health and substance abuse screening and diagnosis will be presented. The alarming prevalence of provisionally diagnosed mental health (nearly 65%) and substance problems (slightly over 50%) will be highlighted, with a specific focus on the types of problems that were found to be most prevalent (e.g., mood disorders, substance abuse disorders, and disruptive behavior disorders). The need for more accessible and comprehensive community-based mental health services for juveniles will be a major topic of discussion, as will the potential benefits of providing such services. These benefits include enhanced community safety, lower rates of juvenile detention, reduced future contact with the adult correctional system, and reduced financial burdens to state government.