Racial Differences in the Mental Health Needs and Service Utilization of Youth in the Juvenile Justice System

Abstract

Mental health placement rates by the juvenile justice system differ by race. However, it is unknown whether mental health needs differ by race. This study attempted to investigate potential differences in mental health needs and service utilization among Caucasian, African American, and Hispanic juvenile justice involved youth. A stratified random sample of 473 youth petitioned, adjudicated, and incarcerated from 1995-1996 was examined using a standard chart review protocol and the Childhood Severity of Psychiatric Illness measure for mental health needs. Significant and unique mental health needs were demonstrated for all racial groups. African American youth demonstrated the greatest level of needs. Minority status indicated significantly lower rates of mental health service utilization. Minority youth in the juvenile justice system are most at risk for underserved mental health needs. Based on the current data, it can be inferred that the first contact with the state's child and adolescent serving system, which includes the juvenile justice and mental health sectors, appears to be through the juvenile justice sector for many minority youth with delinquency problems.

Préjugé dans la détermination des peines accordées aux jeunes doublement insérés dans le système public de protection et de justice

“…On retrouve des résultats semblables dans la littérature sur la justice des mineurs, en particulier aux États-Unis. Les jeunes Noirs y ont plus de risques d'être arrêtés et placés en détention tout en ayant moins de chances de recevoir des services d'aide psychologique (Lieber et Fox, 2005 ;Rawal, Romansky, Jenuwine et Lyons, 2004). Cette conclusion s'étend aussi aux contrevenants adultes, des études indiquant que des préjudices majeurs visaient spécifiquement les personnes afro-américaines et latino-américaines, sans considération des facteurs juridiques pertinents (Kutateladze, Andiloro, Johnson et Spohn, 2014 ;Mitchell, 2005 ;Spohn, 2000 ;Steffensmeier et al, 1998 ;Zatz, 2000).…”

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

“…Relatedly, Rawal, Romansky, Jenuwine and Lyons (2004) studied the mental health needs of among Caucasian, African American, and Hispanic youth who are involved in the juvenile justice system. The researchers attempted to answer two questions: 1.)…”

Keeping the White Family Together: Racial Disparities in the Out-of-Home Placements of Maltreated Children

“…Necessary support and services include affordable and adequate housing, substance abuse treatment, and family counseling (Brown, 2008). Mental health services are particularly important for black youth, who have been found to demonstrate the greatest level of need compared to both white and Hispanic youth, but are the least likely to receive such services (Rawal, Romansky, Jenuwine, & Lyons, 2004). Therefore, without the ability to remedy the situation in the allotted timeframe between case reporting and appearing before the dependency judge, an out-of-home placement may be seen as the only feasible alternative in alleviating the maltreated child's suffering.…”