Recidivism and Psychiatric Symptom Outcomes in a Juvenile Mental Health Court. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ramirez, Aaron M.; Andretta, James R.; Barnes, Michael E.; Woodland, Malcolm H.
• Is Part Of: Juvenile & family court journal. Volume 66:Number 1(2015:Spring)
• Page Start: 31
• Page End: 46
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Juvenile justice, Administration of -- United States -- Periodicals; Juvenile courts -- United States -- Periodicals; Domestic relations courts -- United States -- Periodicals; 346.015
• DOI: 10.1111/jfcj.12025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-7109

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Few researchers have examined outcomes in Juvenile Mental Health Courts. Recidivism rates were assessed among 108 predominantly African American (95.3%) youth. Ages ranged from 12 to 18 (<italic>M</italic> = 15.85, <italic>SD</italic> = 1.45). Substantially fewer re‐convictions, along with re‐arrests, were exhibited among the treatment group (<italic>n</italic> = 54) compared to the control group (<italic>n</italic> = 54) after one year of participation or probation supervision. Psychiatric symptomatology among 21 youth was assessed pre‐ and post‐ intervention using the Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scales‐Self Report. <italic>C</italic><italic>ohen's d</italic> effect sizes indicated substantial reductions in mental health symptoms (.33 ≥ <italic>d</italic> ≤ .88). Results are consistent with the previous studies of problem‐solving court efficacy.</p> </abstract>