The Mental Health Needs of Young Offenders: Forging Paths toward Reintegration and Rehabilitation

by Edited by Carol L. Kessler , Louis James Kraus

• ISBN13: 9780521612906
• ISBN10: 052161290X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-09-17
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

The majority of young people in the American juvenile justice system have diagnosable mental illnesses, including substance abuse, mental retardation and learning disorders. However, these often remain undetected and untreated. In this book, a team of experts examines the prevalence of mental disorders in this population and describes the means of screening for, diagnosing, and treating them effectively in a developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive manner. They also examine psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic approaches; innovative alternatives to detention; the true costs of detaining youth; vulnerability to self-incrimination; and the alarming trend of minority confinement. Their comprehensive coverage includes discussion of ethical dilemmas and the need for preventive strategies and integrated approaches involving judicial, law enforcement, educational, and mental health professionals. This book will be of interest to both mental health and juvenile justice professionals.

Table of Contents

Introduction

An overview of child and adolescent mental health needs in the juvenile justice system

Psychiatric disorders of youth in detention

Disproportionate minority confinement

Police interrogation of youth

Juvenile competency to understand Miranda and stand trial Thomas Geraghty

The etiology of antisocial behavior: biopsychosocial risk factors across development

Substance abuse in youth offenders

Suicide and delinquent adolescents

Juvenile sex offenders Corinne Belsky

Educational needs of youth in the juvenile justice system

Juvenile death penalty

Medical issues regarding incarcerated adolescents

Mental health screening and assessment in juvenile justice

Psychological testing in juvenile justice settings

Psychopharmacology and juvenile delinquency

Evidence-based treatment for justice-involved youth

Community alternatives to incarceration

Innovative problem-solving court models for justice-involved youth

Ethical issues of youthful offenders: confidentiality

right to receive and to refuse treatment

seclusion and restraint

Post adjudicatory assessment of youth

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