Module 2: Screening and Assessment

6. Standardized Screening and Assessment Instruments

The majority of currently available screening and assessment instruments include mental health measures or substance abuse measures and have been used successfully with youth with co-occurring disorders. A few of the instruments require specific training and, therefore, may not be appropriate for use by staff without supervision. A functional assessment that measures how a youth functions in various aspects of life is important to include for youth suspected of having co-occurring disorders.

Instruments that measure mental health and substance use disorders have been developed. Given the wide range of symptoms presented by youth with co-occurring disorders, it is unlikely that one instrument will accurately make this assessment (Osher & Kofoed, 1989). However, for screening purposes, the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instruments, MAYSI and MAYSI~2, are increasingly being used to identify potential mental health needs and substance use of youth in the juvenile justice system.