Implications of California's 1977 Juvenile Justice Reform Law, 1981, Volume 11 - Mental Hospitalization as a Resource Alternative in Response to AB3121

• NCJ Number: 99819
• Author(s): P Guttridge; C A B Warren
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 62 pages
• Grant Number(s): 77-JN-99-0012; 77-JN-AX-0034
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examines whether the commitment of juveniles to mental health facilities has increased as a consequence of the deinstitutionalization of status offenders under California's 1977 Juvenile Justice Reform Law.

Abstract

The California mental health system has the inherent capacity to confine juveniles whose noncriminal deviant behavior was formerly subject to juvenile justice system control. The parens patriae ideology of the juvenile court, the provisions of the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act (provides for the involuntary hospitalization of the mentally disordered, alcoholics, and narcotics users), parents' desire to control recalcitrant children, and the increasing role of private institutions in controlling juveniles contribute to the likelihood of mental health intervention in the lives of status offenders. To determine whether this is happening, this study analyzed the 1976-78 admissions records of four mental hospitals (one public and three private). Comparative statistics on the number of adolescent admissions were also obtained for all mental hospitals in Los Angeles County. Overall, the data do not indicate significant differences in juvenile justice system interaction with the mental health system since the passage of the juvenile justice law. The possibility exists, however, and should continue to be monitored to ensure that the intent of the law is not being evaded. Tabular data and 11 references.