Juvenile justice, mental health, and the transition to adulthood: A review of service system involvement and unmet needs in the U.S.

Abstract

Although adolescents are the primary focus of juvenile justice, a significant number of young people involved with this system are considered transition age youth (i.e., 16–25 years of age). The aim of this review is to summarize the specific needs of transition age youth with mental health conditions involved with the juvenile justice system, identify the multiple service systems relevant to this group, and offer recommendations for policies and practice. A comprehensive search strategy was used to identify and synthesize the literature. Findings highlight the paucity of research specific to transition age youth. Thus, we also summarized relevant research on justice-involved adolescents, with a focus evaluating its potential relevance in the context of the unique milestones of the transition age, including finishing one’s education, setting and working towards vocational goals, and transitioning from ones’ family of origin to more independent living situations. Existing programs and initiatives relevant to transition age youth with mental health conditions are highlighted, and nine specific recommendations for policy and practice are offered.

Policy Trends in the South on Youth Mental Health in Juvenile Justice

“…There is also a need for enhancements in the coordination of care among the many services systems involved with the shift of age youth in the juvenile justice system. This recommendation also stated that policymakers who are aimed at improving coordination of care should hold agencies more accountable for the outcome to make sure that the youth in the system are meeting the goals that are needed to succeed outside of the system, (Zajac, Sheidow, & Davis, 2015). Further, health care providers should improve coordination of care and linkage to services are essential but will be effective if quality mental health services are available in the communities that are specifically for young adults.…”

“…The last thing that was stated was that there should more support and inclusion of families. The authors stated that this improvement would be more likely to be a helpful framework across all the service systems (Zajac, Sheidow, & Davis, 2015).…”

“…Additionally, they recommend the training of professionals who work with the population of juvenile offenders who have mental health needs. Another recommendation to improve mental health treatment is transition services for youth leaving juvenile justice settings, (Zajac, Sheidow, & Davis, 2015). This would be a part of having more programs that focus on the outcomes related to recidivism of juvenile offenders.…”

“…The authors recommended that there needs to be a more corrective approach to transition age youth in the juvenile justice system and that policymakers should extend programs for juveniles to cover the full range of development to adulthood. Additionally, transition planning should be required for youth 16 years or older, that is, in the juvenile justice system, (Zajac, Sheidow, & Davis, 2015). There is also a need for enhancements in the coordination of care among the many services systems involved with the shift of age youth in the juvenile justice system.…”

“…He identified collaborations between juvenile courts and school districts as important. Zajac, Sheidow, and Davis (2015) also did a systematic literature review to summarize the specific needs of transition age youth with mental health conditions involved with the juvenile justice system. The authors recommended that there needs to be a more corrective approach to transition age youth in the juvenile justice system and that policymakers should extend programs for juveniles to cover the full range of development to adulthood.…”