Conditions Associated with Identification of Mentally Ill Youths in Juvenile Detention

Abstract

The current study examines the prevalence and severity of psychiatric symptoms in incarcerated youth. A random sample of youth ages 13–17 who were referred for mental health services (n=120) and not referred for services (n=120) at a juvenile detention facility were studied. Psychopathology was evaluated using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children and the Child Behavior Checklist. Ninety-six percent of referred youth and 69% of non-referred youth had one or more psychiatric diagnoses. Co-morbidity was common in both groups. The findings suggest that youths in the juvenile justice system have noteworthy psychopathology that often remains unidentified.