Prevalence of Mental Illness in Juvenile Justice Facilities
"Youth with mental disorders make up a significant subgroup of youth who appear in U.S. juvenile courts. Juvenile justice systems today are struggling to determine how best to respond to those youths' needs, both the safeguard their own welfare and to reduce re-offendnig and its consequences for the community" -Grisso, 2014
Mental illness is prevalent among juvenile offenders.
- 70% of incarcerated youth meet the criteria for at least one mental health disorder
- 46% have disruptive (conduct) disorders
- 43% have substance-use disorders
- 34% have anxiety disorders
- 18.3% have mood disorders
- 5% demonstrate suicidal behavior/tendencies
Many youth also demonstrate co-morbidity for two or more mental health disorders (meaning that two or more mental disorders are simultaneously present or co-occurring).
Studies show that 79% of youth who met criteria for at least one mental health disorder actually met criteria for two or more diagnoses, with substance abuse as the most prevalent diagnosis.
Furthermore, over 60% of these youth were diagnosed with three or more mental health disorders.
Studies show that 79% of youth who met criteria for at least one mental health disorder actually met criteria for two or more diagnoses, with substance abuse as the most prevalent diagnosis.
Furthermore, over 60% of these youth were diagnosed with three or more mental health disorders.