Recorded presentation

Jason J. Washburn, PhD, Karen M. Abram, PhD, Gary M. McClelland, PhD, and Linda A. Teplin, PhD. Psycho-Legal Studies Program, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 710 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60611-3078, 312-503-3500, j-washburn@northwestern.edu

Epidemiologic studies estimate that up to three quarters of detained youth have one or more psychiatric disorders, and more than 15% have major mental disorders. Detention facilities are legally required to provide mental health services for youth with major mental disorders. Yet, few studies have examined service use with juvenile detainees. This study is the first large-scale longitudinal study to examine service use with this population. Specifically, we examine what proportion of detained youth who need mental health services receive them. We also examine disparities in service use by sex, race/ethnicity, and age. Finally, we examine factors that predict who receives services. Participants were 1829 youth randomly sampled at intake into the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (CCJTDC). The final sample comprised 1172 males and 657 females, 1005 African Americans, 524 Hispanics, 296 non-Hispanic Whites, and 4 from other racial or ethnic groups. To determine who received services, we obtained records from CCJTDC, Juvenile Probation, Forensic Clinical Services, the Clerk of the Court, and the State of Illinois’ Department of Health and Human Services. Preliminary findings suggest few detained youth receive needed mental health services. Only a quarter of detainees who need services receive them. We also found significant health disparities. A greater number of Non-Hispanic Whites receive services than African Americans or Hispanics; a greater number of females receive services than males; and a greater number of younger detainees receive services than older detainees. We will discuss the profound implications of these findings for the public health system.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will have improved knowledge of

• The proportion of juvenile detainees who need mental health services and receive them;
• The disparities in mental health service provision among juvenile detainees by gender, race/ethnicity, and age;
• Factors that predict the provision of mental health services among juvenile detainees.

Keywords: Mental Health Services, Jails and Prisons

Related Web page: www.psycho-legal.northwestern.edu/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

Recorded presentation