Emotional disorders in young offenders

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Forensic Psychology
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Background:

• The Maryland Juvenile Justice System serves a population with complex needs.
• Understanding the prevalence of emotional disorders is crucial for effective policy and planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the rates of emotional disorders among youth in the Maryland Juvenile Justice System.
• To inform policy and planning efforts for mental health services within this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study assessed psychopathology and functioning in 312 committed and detained youth.
• Diagnoses were made using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC) and the Child Global Assessment Scale (CGAS).
• The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) established diagnostic criteria.

Main Results:

• Fifty-three percent of youth had diagnosable mental disorders but adequate functioning.
• Forty-six percent met criteria for mental disorder and low functioning.
• Twenty-six percent required immediate mental health services; 14% needed highly restrictive environments due to severe disorders and offenses.

Conclusions:

• A significant number of justice-involved youth require mental health services, necessitating security-focused treatment options.
• The complexity of these youth's issues demands collaboration between mental health and juvenile justice professionals.
• Integrated planning is essential to address the immediate and future needs of this vulnerable population.