Juvenile justice, mental health, and the transition to adulthood: A review of service system involvement and unmet needs in the U.S. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zajac, Kristyn; Sheidow, Ashli J.; Davis, Maryann
• Is Part Of: Children and youth services review. Volume 56(2015:Sep.)
• Page Start: 139
• Page End: 148
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: Transition age youth -- Juvenile justice -- Mental health -- Service utilization -- Evidence-based practice; Social work with children -- Periodicals; Social work with youth -- Periodicals; Adolescent -- Periodicals; Child Welfare -- Periodicals; Social Work -- Periodicals; Service social aux enfants -- Périodiques; Service social à la jeunesse -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 362.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2015.07.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0190-7409

Abstract

Abstract: Although adolescents are the primary focus of juvenile justice, a significant number of young people involved with this system are considered transition age youth (i.e., 16–25 years of age). The aims of this review are to summarize the specific needs of transition age youth with mental health conditions involved with the juvenile justice system, identify the multiple service systems relevant to this group, and offer recommendations for policies and practice. A comprehensive search strategy was used to identify and synthesize the literature. Findings highlight the paucity of research specific to transition age youth. Thus, we also summarized relevant research on justice-involved adolescents, with a focus evaluating its potential relevance in the context of the unique milestones of the transition age, including finishing one's education, setting and working towards vocational goals, and transitioning from one's family of origin to more independent living situations. Existing programs and initiatives relevant to transition age youth with mental health conditions are highlighted, and nine specific recommendations for policy and practice are offered. Highlights: We summarized the developmental and service needs of justice-involved transition age youth with mental health problems. Transition age youth are a unique subgroup within the juvenile justice system. There are high rates of mental health problems among this group. We highlighted areas in need of further research. We provided nine specific policy and practice recommendations for this group.