NCJ Number
206728
Journal
Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health Volume: 14 Issue: 2 Dated: 2004 Pages: S51-S52
Date Published
2004
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article explores the unique needs of juvenile offenders with mental health problems.
Abstract
A number of laws in the United Kingdom ensure that the rights of young people are protected and their needs are met. Among them are the Human Rights Act (1998) and the Mental Health Act (1983). Interagency cooperation among those working with young offenders is expected. The psychiatric secure units for young offenders with mental illness in the United Kingdom admit a high proportion of ethic minority members and males. Case scenarios are presented from a young offender’s perspective in order to illustrate the complexity of issues facing young people who are at high risk for offending and mental illness. The challenge for mental health professionals working with young offenders is to meet this array of needs that include individual, family, and community variables. Structured regional inpatient services should be established to manage the high risk population and community services should be established for those who are most appropriately treated within the community. Treatment services should be coordinated between local mental health practitioners and more specialized forensic adolescent consultation and treatment teams. References