Addressing mental health needs among detained youth

Thank you to Division 37 President Paula Fite, PhD and member Omar Gudiño, PhD for cultivating these resources.

• Up to 85% of detained youth meet criteria for a mental health diagnosis, yet less than 20% of these youth receive services.
• The majority (70%) of detained youth have used at least one substance within 30 days prior to detainment.
• Many barriers, including negative perceptions and stigma, prevent justice-involved youth from receiving mental health services.

DiPierro-Sutton, M., Fite, P. J., Gudiño, O. (2021). Assessing the links between internalizing symptoms and treatment motivation in incarcerated juveniles. Children and Youth Services Review, 121, 105879. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105879

Fite, P. J., Baca, S., Gomez, C., Griffith, R., & Gudiño, O. (in press). Attitudes Toward Mental Health Services among Detained Adolescents: The Role of CU traits. Residential Treatment for Children and Youth. https://doi.org/10.1080/0886571X.2022.2090483

Fite, P. J., Gudiño, O., Tampke, E., & O’Dell, C. (2022). Links between Past 30-day Substance Use and Specific Charges Among Detained Youth. Child and Youth Care Forum, 51, 313-327. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-021-09632-2

OJJDP (2017). Literature Review of the OJJDP Model Programs Guide. Intersection between Mental Health and Juvenile Justice System Literature Review (ojp.gov)