NCJ Number
196274
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: July-August 2002 Pages: 353-363
Editor(s)
Vincent B. Van Hasselt,
Michel Hersen
Date Published
July 2002
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article provides an overview of mental health needs and services within the juvenile justice system.
Abstract
The authors provide a general overview of the juvenile justice population, noting trends and prior research regarding the population’s specific mental health service needs. Some research has indicated that co-occurring mental and/or substance use disorder affects two-thirds of the juvenile justice population. An overview of the current service offerings and service distribution methods is provided. The authors propose changes in the current systems to reflect a more holistic approach and also to employ a public health approach to youth violence and criminal deviance, specifically they purpose family partnership services and an emphasis on cultural competence in service distribution. The service provision model proposed is called the System of Care model and is defined as coordinated network of social services and supports designed to address the needs of both the juvenile delinquent and his or her family. 36 references