Cornerstones: The Key Elements of a Comprehensive System

The Cornerstones represent the foundation of the model and provide a framework for putting the underlying principles into practice. These Cornerstones reflect the most critical areas of improvement to enhance the delivery of mental health services to youth in contact with the juvenile justice system. These include:

Collaboration
The need for improved collaboration between the juvenile justice and mental health systems.
View this section: Background | Recommended Actions

Identification
The need for improved and systematic strategies for identifying mental health needs among youth in contact with the juvenile justice system.
View this section: Background | Recommended Actions

Diversion
The need for more opportunities for youth to be appropriately diverted into effective community-based mental health treatment.
View this section: Background | Recommended Actions

Treatment
The need for youth in contact with the juvenile justice system to have access to effective treatment to meet their needs.
View this section: Background | Recommended Actions

For each Cornerstone, we offer a policy statement in support of addressing the issue, background information, and a set of recommended actions for addressing the Cornerstone. Examples of efforts that have already been taken in the field to address each of these key elements are included as well.