Therapy with felony-convicted male juvenile offenders

Crime among youth is one of America's fastest growing problems. Crimes of violence and aggression against persons and property are increasingly disturbing to the American public. Frequently, these problems are dealt with from a judicial perspective only, without regard for underlying problems. There is little or no access to health care, especially mental health care, for these troubled youths and their families. The role of the juvenile justice system was established on the basis of the philosophical principle of "parens patriae." This concept establishes the state as the higher or the ultimate parent of all within its borders. Unfortunately, this system falls short of fulfilling that obligation. Thus, these children are not accorded the protection that is given to adults nor the care and rehabilitation recommended for children. The purpose of this paper is to describe one program that combines the judicial needs of the state with comprehensive mental health services for juvenile offenders on intensive probation. The lives of these young males and their families is examined. The rewards and the disappointments in working with this extremely challenging group are shared. Specific therapeutic interventions and barriers to therapy are presented.