Mental Health issues in Juvenile Proceedings

Over the last decade, mental health issues with youth in the juvenile justice system have been continually ignored. As a result, federal initiatives are now realizing the scope of the problem and the inadequacy of mental health care in juvenile correctional facilities. More states are beginning to focus on the importance of mental health issues because one of the primary responsibilities of the juvenile justice system (JJS) is to care for youth with mental health illnesses. Hence, this issue has also resulted in more juveniles being prosecuted in adult courts because the JJS have very little to go on when attempting a diagnosis. It is estimated that between 50 to 75 percent of incarcerated youth nationwide have a diagnosable mental health disorder. [3] The JJS has often failed to perform standardized screening and assessments. Sadly, youth of color are often not diagnosed.

As states face more and more economic problems, funds directed to mental health programs in institutions, schools, and communities are being slashed. About two-thirds of the nation’s juvenile inmates — who numbered 92,854 in 2006, down from 107,000 in 1999 — have at least one mental illness, according to surveys of youth prisons, and are more in need of therapy than punishment. [1] Above all, California has the nation’s worst JJS and is currently under a federal mandate to improve mental health services. California’s main focus with youth has been punishment and not rehabilitation. Many of these juvenile come in with mental issues that are never addressed. According to federal investigators, three dozen youth offenders seriously injured themselves or attempted suicide in the last year — a sign, state juvenile justice experts say, of neglect and poor safety protocols. [2] Inadequate mental health resources can lead to an increase in the recidivism rate.

Mental health issues of youth are increasing rapidly nationwide. Surprisingly, one in ten children suffers from mental illness that can cause impairment and only one in five children receive mental health services. [3] There is so much that needs to be done and so little funding. Research needs to be done on JJ and mental health programs to better serve vulnerable populations. There also needs to be better communication from schools, family, and medical institutions.

1. http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/

2. http://www.nri-inc.org/reports_pubs/2009/BudgetShortfalls.pdf

3. "Report on the Surgeon General’s Conference on Children’s Mental Health: A National Action Agenda." (January 2001). Washington, DC: Department of Health and Human Services.