The Sequential Intercept Model and Juvenile Justice: Review and Prospectus

Area of Science:

• Forensic Psychology
• Juvenile Justice
• Public Health

Background:

• Two-thirds of justice-involved youth meet criteria for psychological disorders.
• Behavioral health needs in this population are a growing concern.
• The Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) is an established framework for adults in the justice system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the application of the SIM to juvenile justice.
• To illustrate how the SIM can address behavioral health needs in justice-involved adolescents.
• To review interventions at different intercepts of the SIM for youth.

Main Methods:

• The article adapts the five intercepts of the SIM for juvenile justice.
• It presents three examples of interventions: police diversion (Intercept 1), problem-solving courts (Intercept 3), and juvenile probation (Intercept 5).
• Relevant research evidence for each intervention is reviewed.

Main Results:

• The SIM framework is applicable to juvenile justice.
• Interventions at various intercepts can provide rehabilitation-oriented alternatives.
• Examples demonstrate successful application of the SIM in juvenile settings.

Conclusions:

• The Sequential Intercept Model offers a valuable framework for addressing the behavioral health needs of justice-involved adolescents.
• Adapting the SIM can facilitate the implementation of effective interventions across the juvenile justice system.
• Further application of the SIM to juveniles is encouraged.