Authors

Cauffman, E.

Title

A Statewide Screening of Mental Health Symptoms Among Juvenile Offenders in Detention.

Source

Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 43(4): 430-439, 2004.

Type

Journal Article 9 pages

Resource ID

013335

Abstract The objective of this study was to demonstrate that as awareness of the high prevalence of mental health problems among juvenile offenders has grown, researchers and practitioners have recognized the need for reliable and efficient methods of assessing such problems among large numbers of offenders to ensure that limited treatment resources are applied to those with the greatest need. Between May 2000 and October 2002, 18,607 admissions were administered the computerized version of the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument Version 2 (MAYSI-2) 24-48 hours after their arrival at detention centers throughout Pennsylvania. Girls were more likely than boys to exhibit internalizing as well as externalizing problems. Mental health problems were most prevalent among white youth and least prevalent among African American youth. When youth repeated the screen upon subsequent visits to detention, their scores generally remained stable. The findings suggest that the MAYSI-2 is a promising triage tool for emergent risk. The use of such a screen may reduce bias in allocation of treatment resources and improve our understanding of the nature of mental health problems in delinquent populations. (author)

Authors

Crofoot Graham, T., Corcoran, K.

Title

Mental Health Screening Results for Native American and Euro-American Youth in Oregon Juvenile Justice Settings.

Source

Psychological Reports 92(3): 1053-1060, 2003.

Type

Journal Article 7 pages

Resource ID

012938

Abstract In this study, mental health needs of Native American (NA) youth in the Oregon juvenile justice system are compared to those of Euro-American (EA) youth. The comparison is drawn from two samples of youth adjudicated to community service and incarcerated. The youth completed a mental health history and indices of mental health status. NA youth are disproportionately represented in the Oregon juvenile justice system. Mental health profiles of NA youth reflect problems at least as severe as those of EA youth, and both NA and EA youth in the juvenile justice system had profiles different from those of youth not referred for clinical services. More NA youth compared to EA youth reported considering suicide in the past 12 months. Mental health screenings for both NA and EA youth are indicated. (authors)

Authors

Hawkins, D., Laub, J., Lauritsen, J., Cothern, L.

Title

Race, Ethnicity, and Serious and Violent Juvenile Offending.

Source

Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), June 2000.

Type

Bulletin 7 pages

Resource ID

010148

Abstract If we are to successfully address the issue of minority overrepresentation in the juvenile justice system, it is critical to understand the interrelationships among race, ethnicity, and serious and violent juvenile offending and their policy implications. Although researchers have long been aware of racial and ethnic differences in serious and violent juvenile offending, interpreting these variances has been problematic. This bulletin, however, offers several explanations derived from the research literature. Available From: OJJDP, http://www.ojjdp.ncjrs.org

Authors

Hoytt, E., Schiraldi, V., Smith, B., Ziedenberg, J.

Title

Reducing Racial Disparities in Juvenile Detention.

Source

Baltimore, MD: Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2002.

Type

Report 79 pages

Resource ID

011398

Abstract Since 1989, federal mandates have provided that states should do something about disproportionate minority confinement, but there has been little progress. In fact, racial disparities in juvenile justice deepened throughout the 1990s. In December 1992, the Annie E. Casey Foundation launched a multi-year, multi-site project known as the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI). Its purpose was to demonstrate that jurisdictions can establish more effective and efficient systems to accomplish the purposes of juvenile detention. Participating sites pursued a set of strategies to change detention policies and practices. Two counties, Multnomah and Santa Cruz, demonstrated empirically that jurisdictions can not only reduce the number of youth behind bars, but also the odds that kids of color will be detained. This has resulted in emerging models for a fairer justice system for juveniles. Available From: http://www.aecf.org

Authors

Isaacs, M.

Title

Assessing the Mental Health Needs of Children and Adolescents of Color in the Juvenile Justice System: Overcoming Institutionalized Perceptions and Barriers.

Source

In Cocozza, J. (ed.) 1992, Reponding to the Mental Health Needs of Youth in the Juvenile Justice System.

Type

Monograph Chapter 22 pages

Resource ID

010537

Abstract This chapter examines the plight of youth of color, especially those with emotional disturbances, who are caught in the crossfire between two systems, mental health and juvenile justice, that are both failing them. The author attempts to answer several questions regarding the challenges facing this population when interacting with either or both of these systems. The fact that there is very little data or relevant research conducted on groups of color has clear implications for policies, program development, and future research activities.

Authors

Lindsey, M.

Title

Culturally Competent Assessment of African American Clients.

Source

Journal of Personality Assessment 70(1):43-53, 1998.

Type

Journal Article 10 pages

Resource ID

010392

Abstract As more African American families, clients, agencies, and organizations celebrate the values inherent in their cultural heritage, the strategies, methodologies, techniques, and instruments of assessment psychology are challenged to prove their appropriateness for the population on which they are used. These challenges have resulted in two major dilemmas for this domain of psychology. The first is whether to create race-specific norms for existing instruments. The second is the fundamental question of whether existing instruments measure the correct attributes, given the cultural differences. Both issues are discussed in this article.

Authors

Pope, C., Lovell, R., Hsia, H.

Title

Disproportionate Minority Confinement: A Review of the Research Literature from 1989 through 2001.

Source

Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 2002.

Type

Literature Review 43 pages

Resource ID

011579

Abstract In the past decade, national attention has been directed to the impact of race on juvenile justice decisionmaking. The purpose of this bulletin is to extend earlier analysis of disproportionate minority confinement (DMC) by examining research found in professional academic journals and edited books during the subsequent 12-year period. Conference papers or presentations are excluded from the current review, as are unpublished State studies or plans, except when portions of these may have formed the basis for a journal publication. The review sought to answer the question of what the exisiting periodical research tells us about the processing of minority youth through the juvenile justice system. This bulletin details the results of this analysis, offers guidelines for future DMC research, and outlines considerations for a national policy agenda regarding such research. Available From: http://www.ojjdp.ncjrs.org

Authors

Saldana, D.

Title

Cultural Competency: A Practical Guide for Mental Health Service Providers.

Source

Austin, TX: The Hogg Foundation, 2002.

Type

Guide 23 pages

Resource ID

011738

Abstract Cultural competency can be defined as a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes, and policies that come together in a system, agency, or among professionals that enable them to work effectively in cross-cultural situations. The cultural appropriateness of mental health services may be the most important factor in the accessibility of services by people of color. Developing culturally sensitive practices can help reduce barriers to effective treatment utilization. This guidebook provides recommendations on how providers can improve the delivery of mental health services to culturally diverse groups using appropriate assessments, translators and outreach. Available From: Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, The University of Texas at Austin, P. O. Box 7998 , Austin, Texas 78713, (888) 404-4336, http://hogg1.lac.utexas.edu/.

Authors

Underwood, L., Rawles, P.

Title

Screening and Assessing the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Needs of African-American Youth.

Source

Juvenile Correctional Mental Health Report, 2(4):49-50, 56-62, 2002.

Type

Journal Article 9 pages

Resource ID

010949

Abstract Out of necessity, most juvenile justice systems offering screening and assessment services to African-American youth with co-occurring mental health and substance use needs have relied on inappropriate instruments and methodologies. This has led to the inconclusive and unreliable analysis of the actual needs of African-American youth with co-occurring disorders. There is an urgent need for proper guidelines, testing and interview materials and acceptable procedures for African-Americans' treatment upon entering the juvenile justice system. This paper discuses topics such as minority overrepresentation, cultural competency, selection of instruments, and recognizing key clinical signs and symptoms. It offers recommendations on future research.

Authors

United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Title

Mental Health: Culture, Race, and Ethnicity. A Supplement to Mental Health: A Report to the Surgeon General - Executive Summary.

Source

Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2001.

Type

Executive Summary 13 pages

Resource ID

009928

Abstract This is the executive summary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services report titled Mental Health: Culture, Race, and Ethnicity. Main findings are summarized and broken down, a Main Message and Recommendations are given, and the chapters are summarized with conclusions. The full report, a supplement to Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General, documents the existence of striking disparities for minorities in mental health services and the underlying knowledge base. Racial and ethnic minorities have less access to mental health services than do whites. They are less likely to receive needed care. When they do receive care, it is more likely to be poor in quality. These disparities have powerful significance for minority groups and for society as a whole. A major finding of this Supplement is that racial and ethnic minorities bear a greater burden from unmet mental health needs and thus suffer a greater loss to their overall health and productivity. Ethnic and racial minorities do not yet completely share in the hope afforded by remarkable scientific advances in understanding and treating mental disorders. Because of preventable disparities in mental health services, a disproportionate number of minorities are not fully benefiting from, or contributing to, the opportunities and prosperity of our society (authors). Available From: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, (800) 789-2647, info@mentalhealth.org, http://www.mentalhealth.org/cre/execsummary.asp (SMA-01-3613).