Abstract
This study examined the prevalence of mental health needs and rates of service utilization among youth detained in a metropolitan
juvenile justice system in California. Of the 345 youth in the sample, 265 (76.8 %) qualified for high or acute mental health
need and 210 (60.9 %) had at least one prior contact with mental health services. No differences in mental health need were
found across ethnicities; however rates of prior service utilization significantly differed (χ2 = 19.18, p < 0.001). Asian and Pacific Islander participants were less likely to have had prior contact with county services than any
other ethnic group.
juvenile justice system in California. Of the 345 youth in the sample, 265 (76.8 %) qualified for high or acute mental health
need and 210 (60.9 %) had at least one prior contact with mental health services. No differences in mental health need were
found across ethnicities; however rates of prior service utilization significantly differed (χ2 = 19.18, p < 0.001). Asian and Pacific Islander participants were less likely to have had prior contact with county services than any
other ethnic group.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-7
- DOI 10.1007/s10488-012-0438-4
- Authors
- Emily Kates, California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Emily B. Gerber, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Shannon Casey, California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Journal Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research
- Online ISSN 1573-3289
- Print ISSN 0894-587X