NCJ Number
310714
Date Published
September 2025
Abstract
This literature review discusses the prevalence of mental health problems among youth in the juvenile justice system; how the justice system addresses the intersection between mental health and delinquency; the adverse impacts of juvenile justice system involvement on mental health; racial, ethnic, and sex disparities; challenges in meeting youth mental health needs; and evidence-based programs and practices shown to improve outcomes for youth with mental health needs. It also provides definitions of some key mental health terms, gives an overview of tools for identifying mental health needs, and highlights two broad categories of mental health interventions.