Lisa Fortuna, MD, MPH¹, Norman Beach, MA², Norah Mulvaney-Day, PhD¹, and Margarita Alegrí a, PhD¹. (1) Center for Multicultural Mental Health Research, Cambridge Health Alliance, 120 Beacon Street, Somerville, MA 02143, 617-503-8485, lfortuna@charesearch.org, (2) ROCA, Inc., 101 Park Street, Chelsea, MA 02150

In the context of current concerns about health inequalities among minority ethnic groups in the United States, this paper addresses perceptions of mental health services among young Latinos with juvenile justice involvement who are in the process of community reentry. The statistical existence of inequalities in diagnosis and treatment of Latinos and juvenile offenders in the United States is well established , supported by sociological explanations of these inequalities which center on social exclusion in a variety of forms : institutional, cultural, and socio-economic. However, detailed studies of the perspectives of local communities and young marginalized Latinos on mental health issues and services have received less attention. In our in-depth interviews with 16 young Latino ex-offenders ages 18-26, we find that social exclusion, self-reliance and perceived irrelevance of mental health services to personal experiences comprise an explanatory framework which is repeatedly heard in these youths’ narratives in describing their interaction with the mental health system. Interviewees assert that emotional supports are more acceptable and effective in the context of social supports, relationships and inclusion within the community .We conclude that participation and partnership with the community are vital means by which to generate both the objective and subjective inclusion that are requirements for accessible and appropriate mental health services for young Latino ex-offenders returning home. In this context, we also present current strategies being employed by our community partners to facilitate successful reentry and mental health access with Latino and minority juveniles.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to

• Recognize narrative themes regarding experiences with mental health services among Latino juvenile ex-offenders in the community.
• Articulate potential strategies for facilitating appropriate mental health services for these young people.
• Discuss strategies for developing and evaluating community-researcher partnerships aimed at facilitating successful reentry and mental health supports with Latino and minority juveniles.

Keywords: Latino Mental Health, Community Collaboration

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.