NCJ Number
243803
Date Published
June 2011
Length
81 pages
Annotation
This second of two papers on issues and best practices related to the growing population of mentally ill people in California jails addresses the wide-ranging and complex mental health considerations facing California's local juvenile halls, camps, and ranches.
Abstract
In discussing a number of approaches, interventions, and programs being used in local juvenile corrections facilities and systems across California, the intent of this paper is to assist facility personnel in exchanging information with and learning from one another, thus widening the perspective that each practitioner brings to the difficult work of providing appropriate care to mentally ill juveniles in custody. In identifying system issues that need to be addressed, the paper first identifies the kinds of mental health problems presented by youth in custody, the purpose and role of local juvenile correctional facilities, the role of staff in local juvenile correctional facilities, cultural change in leadership and training, collaboration, and sustainability. A section on best practices and programs focuses on screening and assessment for mental health disorders, the use of multidisciplinary teams, and treatment techniques. This is followed by a section on facility-related treatment and service issues. The issues addressed include limitations facing small counties; specialized mental health units in juvenile halls, camps and ranches; the use of psychotropic medications; and youth with dual mental health and substance abuse diagnoses. Other facility issues related to mentally ill juveniles are violent and disruptive youth, suicide prevention, and reentry into the community after release. Training standards for custody staff and the crisis intervention team are discussed, as well as the training for bench officers. Funding issues are considered in the concluding section. 18 recommendations are offered. A 28-item bibliography and appended supplementary information on funding issues