NCJ Number
100531
Date Published
1985
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article addresses crucial issues in the treatment of mentally disordered juvenile offenders.
Abstract
The first issue that must be addressed is the articulation of definitions criteria, processes for identifying the targeted population, and methods for assessing its size. The second issue is determining the roles and responsibilities of various agencies providing care and treatment to this population. Unless responsibility is formally assigned, it is likely that State corrections and mental health agencies will have little incentive to provide appropriate services. A decision also must be made about whether services will be provided directly through the State or by contract with private providers. This will depend on resources, budgets, monitoring capabilities, and population in need. Finally, the value and feasibility of providing specialized facilities for this population must be assessed. Two innovative approaches to meeting the special needs of the mentally disordered offender have been developed by New York and North Carolina. New York has a special program through which the mental health department assists the juvenile corrections department in providing youth mental health interventions. North Carolina provides a continuum of placement and services based on individualized planning. 8 references.