NCJ Number
222954
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 70 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2008 Pages: 24-27
Date Published
February 2008
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the purpose of mental health screening for juveniles entering detention facilities, along with Pennsylvania's assessment of the impact of such screening with the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument, Version 2 (MAYSI-2).
Abstract
The purpose of mental health screening is to identify youths whose mental or emotional conditions indicate they might have a mental disorder, suicide ideation, or present a risk of harm to others in the immediate future. The finding of such mental or emotional conditions becomes the basis for further evaluation and the development of an appropriate intervention. Mental health screening is a brief process administered by nonclinical staff using a standardized tool. It is conducted for every youth soon after intake in pretrial detention, during an initial probation intake interview, or upon entrance into juvenile justice placement. MAYSI-2 is a 52-item, self-report, yes-no instrument that has been administered in Pennsylvania detention centers by means of computer software. It has six clinical scales that identify thoughts, feelings, or behaviors experienced in the past few months that often identify a youth's mental or emotional distress. The primary purpose of MAYSI-2 is to screen in a pool of youths whose self-reported mental or emotional conditions require further attention. Pennsylvania's assessment of the findings and achievements of MAYSI-2 screening shows that it has improved staff perceptions of mental disorders among youths involved in juvenile justice processing. It has also improved communication between staff and youths, as it has become the context for discussing their needs and services that can address those needs. Data from MAYSI-2 screening has also provided evidence for increasing resources for mental health services to youth in Pennsylvania's juvenile justice system. The use of MAYSI-2 has also increased the efficiency with which youths' mental health needs are identified and addressed. 4 figures and 2 notes