Authors

Gray, D., Achilles, J., Keller, T., Tate, D., Haggard, L., Rolfs, R., Cazier, C., Workman, J., McMahon, W.

Title

Utah Youth Suicide Study, Phase I: Government Agency Contact Before Death.

Source

Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 41(4): 427-434, 2002.

Type

Journal Article 7 pages

Resource ID

013444

Abstract The purpose of this study was to delineate the probability of contact between government agencies and youth who complete suicide, to investigate the nature of those contacts, and to identify new risk factors for suicide. Data were collected from four government agencies: Office of the Medical Examiner, Juvenile Justice, Department of Human Services, and the Department of Education. The data demonstrated an association between youth suicide and contact with Juvenile Justice. There was a direct correlation between number of referrals and increased suicide risk. Suicide completers had multiple minor offenses over many years. Few suicide completers had evidence of active psychiatric treatment. The study concluded that Juvenile Justice is identified as a novel site for the screening and identification of youth at risk for suicide (authors).

Authors

Grisso, T., Barnum, R., Fletcher, K., Cauffman, E., Peuschold, D.

Title

Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument for Mental Health Needs of Juvenile Justice Youths.

Source

Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 40(5): 541-548, 2001.

Type

Journal Article 8 pages

Resource ID

010893

Abstract This report describes the development of the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument-Second Version (MAYSI-2), a brief screening measure to identify youth with potential mental, emotional, or behavioral problems at entry points in the juvenile justice system. This 52-item self-report measure, with content relevant to common mental health problems in delinquent populations, was administered to male and female youths, aged 12 to 17, in Massachusetts juvenile justice facilities. A subsample of youth also received the Million Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI) and the Youth Self-Report (YSR). The instrument was subsequently administered to male and female youth in California Youth Authority custody. The MAYSI-2 shows promise as a reliable and valid screening tool to assist juvenile justice staff in identifying youth who may need an immediate response to mental or emotional problems.

Authors

Hoge, R.

Title

An Expanded Role for Psychological Assessments in Juvenile Justice Systems.

Source

Criminal Justice and Behavior, 26(2):251-266, June 1999.

Type

Journal Article 15 pages

Resource ID

010590

Abstract This article describes the potential contributions of psychological assessments to the processing of youth in juvenile justice and correctional systems. Standardized psychological assessment instruments and procedures are shown to be superior to the informal and unstandardized procedures often employed in these systems, and they are also shown to lead to more effective decisions about youth. Major types of assessments relevant to juvenile justice and correctional systems are reviewed as are models for introducing psychological services into the systems.

Authors

Nordness, P., Grummert, M., Banks, D., Schindler, M., Moss, M., Gallagher, K., Epstein, M.

Title

Screening the Mental Health Needs of Youths in Juvenile Detention.

Source

Juvenile and Family Court Journal 53(2): 43-50, 2002.

Type

Journal Article 7 pages

Resource ID

012209

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the number of youth who present symptoms of a mental health disorder at intake into a juvenile detention center in the Midwest. Two hundred youth were assessed with the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument-Second Version (MAYSI-2), a mental health screening instrument. At least 68% of the youth identified symptoms of a mental health disorder at intake. Given the significant number of youth who identified symptoms of a mental health disorder at intake into detention, the need to provide mental health services for juvenile detainees should not be ignored.

Authors

Stewart, D., Trupin, E.

Title

Clinical Utility and Policy Implications of a Statewide Mental Health Screening Process for Juvenile Offenders.

Source

Psychiatric Services 54(3): 377-382, 2003.

Type

Journal Article 5 pages

Resource ID

012168

Abstract This study examined the utility of screening adjudicated juvenile offenders for mental health symptoms at intake to the State of Washington Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration. The authors assessed the ability of a screening measure, the Massachusetts Youth Screening Inventory, Second version (MAYSI-2), to identify youth with mental health problems and co-occurring substance use problems. This study also examined the relationship of these symptoms to treatment utilization both before and after intake to the juvenile justice system. Ethnic and gender differences in the screening results were studied.