Critical factors in mental health programming for juveniles in corrections facilities.

Abstract

Juveniles with mental health and other specialized needs are overrepresented in the juvenile justice system, and while juvenile corrections have not historically provided standardized and evidence-based mental health services for its incarcerated youth, the demand is evident. The reality is that juveniles with serious mental illness are committed to youth corrections facilities and justice systems generally do not have the capacity to provide effective mental health care. However, juvenile corrections are aware of the serious refractions involved and are exploring effective interventions. This involves examining the critical components of treatment and implementing promising youth correction programs for juveniles who are incarcerated. The authors review critical treatment factors involved in the mental health care of youth and provide recommendations to the field to further develop promising institutional programs.