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A National Survey of Mental Health Screening and Assessment Practices in Juvenile Correctional Facilities

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Abstract

Background

Mental health screening and assessment is crucial within juvenile correctional facilities (JC). However, limited information is available about the current screening and assessment procedures specifically within JC.

Objective

The purpose of the current study was to obtain information about the mental health screening and assessment procedures used in JC throughout the United States.

Method

Ninety-four clinical staff members (one from each JC) completed a survey about the mental health screening and assessment procedures conducted at their facilities. We used descriptive statistics to obtain prevalence data about (a) who is screened and assessed, (b) frequency of screening and assessment, (c) methods used and areas screened and assessed, (d) qualifications of those conducting screenings and assessments, and (e) perceived adequacy of screening procedures.

Results

Ninety-eight percent (n = 92) of participants reported that their facilities conducted suicide risk screenings, and 97% (n = 90) reported that mental health screenings were conducted at admission for all youth. Additionally, 59 (63%) respondents reported that all youth receive an extensive assessment of mental health concerns. However, only forty-six percent (n = 42) of the 92 participants responding indicated repeated screening of youth throughout their stay, and only 46% (n = 34) of the 74 participants responding indicated screening at discharge. Additionally, a variety of assessments were reportedly used and there was little consistency across JC.

Conclusion

The findings revealed a continued need for consistent policies and procedures across facilities regarding screening and assessment to address various screening and assessment issues and promote quality care.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a grant from the University of Florida College of Education Research Incentive Fund.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Human Development and Organizational Studies in Education, College of Education, University of Florida, 1215 Norman Hall, PO Box 117046, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA

    Jacqueline M. Swank

  2. School of Special Education, School Psychology, and Early Childhood Studies, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

    Joseph C. Gagnon

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  1. Jacqueline M. Swank
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  2. Joseph C. Gagnon
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Correspondence to Jacqueline M. Swank.

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Conflict of interest

The authors received a research Grant from their institution to conduct this research study.

Ethical Approval

All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

Informed Consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

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Swank, J.M., Gagnon, J.C. A National Survey of Mental Health Screening and Assessment Practices in Juvenile Correctional Facilities. Child Youth Care Forum 46, 379–393 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-016-9379-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-016-9379-5

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