Since the mid-1990's, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention has recognized the critical role that mental health problems play in the lives of youth involved with the juvenile justice system. These problems can contribute to a juvenile’s delinquent and criminal behavior and can interfere with attempts at rehabilitation. Both mental health problems and delinquent behavior occur in relation to the various domains of a youth’s life: individual, peer, family, school and community. Recent research has highlighted comprehensive, systemic approaches that seek to reduce risks and enhance the protective factors across these domains.
Earlier, justice system youth received little attention from federal agencies traditionally concerned with children’s mental health. Happily, this situation has recently changed significantly. For example, OJJDP was invited to participate in planning the Surgeon General’s Conference on Children’s Mental Health, and the recently released Surgeon General’s Action Agenda for Children’s Mental Health contains specific references to youth in the juvenile justice system. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is developing significant new initiatives regarding youth violence.
This presentation will highlight the major activities being undertaken by OJJDP and other federal agencies to effectively meet the mental health needs of youth in the juvenile justice system. Examples of innovative strategies and programs will be provided.
Learning Objectives: Learning objectives: The participant will be informed regarding 1. Mental health policies supported by OJJDP 2. Examples of innovative mental health programs for justice system youth
Keywords: Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Criminal Justice
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.