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Psychiatr Q (2017) 88:167183 DOI 10.1007/s11126-016-9445-z
ORIGINAL PAPER
Michael P. Zeola1,2 Jeffrey Guina1,2 Ramzi W. Nahhas1,3
Published online: 30 May 2016 Springer Science+Business Media New York 2016
Abstract While psychiatric disorders are common among juvenile delinquents, many mental health problems go undetected, increasing the likelihood for persistent difculties. This is the rst known study to examine mental health referral rates and recidivism in the juvenile justice system. In addition to the study, we review juvenile justice mental health screening to improve detection and treatment. Juvenile criminal records in conjunction with behavioral health screenings were analyzed to determine differences in referrals and recidivism among rst time offenders. Recidivism rates were signicantly lower (p = 0.04) and time to recidivism was signicantly longer (p = 0.03) for those referred specically for mental health services than for those without any referrals, even after adjusting for offense severity. While black youths had a signicantly higher recidivism rate (p = 0.02) and a shorter time to recidivism (p = 0.009) than white youths, there was no signicant difference between races when referred specically for mental health services. Among the groups studied, black youths had the most profound positive effect from mental health referrals (p \ 0.0001). This study indicates the importance of detecting mental health problems among juvenile delinquents, especially for black offenders. The apparent protective effect of mental health interventions necessitates screening that better identies underlying psychosocial factors rather than strict reliance upon diagnostic criteria and self-report. Broader or even universal mental health referrals for juvenile offenders could reduce future legal system involvement and costs to society. We review potential reasons that mental health problems go undetected and provide recommendations.
Keywords Juvenile Recidivism Referral Mental Psychiatric Screening
& Jeffrey Guina [email protected]
1 Department of Psychiatry, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH,
USA
2 Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Wright-Patterson Medical Center, Mental Health Flight, 4881 Sugar Maple Dr, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH 45433, USA
3 Department of Community Health, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
http://crossmark.crossref.org/dialog/?doi=10.1007/s11126-016-9445-z&domain=pdf
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Web End = Mental Health Referrals Reduce Recidivism in First-Time Juvenile Offenders, But How Do We Determine Who is Referred?
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Introduction
The prevalence of psychiatric disorders in...