NCJ Number
244766
Date Published
2011
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This brief report examines the high rates of childhood trauma among incarcerated youth.
Abstract
This brief report examines the high rates of childhood trauma among youth incarcerated by the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ). As noted in the report, between 75 and 93 percent of youth entering the juvenile justice system have experienced at least 1 traumatic event compared to just 34 percent of children in the entire United States. Among youth entering the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, two-thirds have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder that requires mental health treatment while in custody. A recent survey of juvenile facilities in the State failed to determine whether the facilities have any trauma-specific screening in place when assessing these youth. In addition, it was found that a majority of staff members at IDJJ facilities had not received training on adolescent development and were not prepared to adequately respond to the mental health needs of these youth. Efforts by the Illinois Department of Health Services to improve monitoring of detained youth by mental health providers has resulted in a lower recidivism rate for detained youth that receive mental health treatment, 27 percent, compared to a recidivism rate of 72 percent for youth who did not participate in these treatment programs. These findings suggest that IDJJ should use a screening instrument to 1) aid in the diagnosis of trauma-related disorders among incarcerated youth, 2) provide trauma therapy and treatment for these youth, and 3) divert some of the youths with trauma-related disorders to the appropriate treatment programs. References