Mental illness denotes a condition that affects how a person thinks and feels concerning psychological, emotional, and social well-being (Development Services Group, Inc., 2017). According to Odgers et al. (2005), about 120,000 children and adolescents are confined within juvenile facilities all over North America. A significant number of these youths are incarcerated due to violent behavior, aggression, and antisocial behaviors. Research has shown that these kids suffer from mental disorders apart from deviant behavior (Odgers et al., 2005). This phenomenon is not surprising as it explains why these teens exhibit violent and aggressive behavior.
The juvenile system is set for rehabilitation and crime prevention. It stresses children’s needs above the appeal to correct their deviancy (Underwood & Washington, 2016). This was per the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974. However, in the early 1980s, the focus changed due to the increasing number of child offenders roaming around the streets. The justice system’s main goal became protecting the community, and the needs of the deviant teens took a back seat at some point. Consequently, Juvenile detention centers became institutions for punishment rather than rehabilitation.
Underwood and Washington (2016), mentions in their study that it is affordable for the Justice system to focus on preventing Juvenile offenders from graduating to become adult offenders. In recent years, the Juvenile Justice System has been trying to shift its focus to the detained kids’ mental health. Nonetheless, this system remains under-equipped to deal with the acute needs of mental illness properly. Apart from the Juvenile Justice system, other public systems are created to care for children’s welfare (Underwood & Washington, 2016). They provide education, child protection services, and mental health care separate from the Juvenile system. In recent times, people have begun to see that the separation of these services yields detrimental effects. The services are needed as a full package for the well-being of the children and teenagers. This is due to the associative nature of the issues that may affect a young person. For instance, abuse at home may lead to violent behavior and substance abuse at a very tender age. Youths having mood disorders can display anger and irritability that could lead to depression. Depression increases the probability of the youth acting out to elicit a response from others and can easily become arrested and charged with a juvenile offense (Odgers et al., 2005). The probability of turning the anger towards themselves is heightened during custody. Consequently, the anger can lead to self-harm through the cutting of the wrist and other parts of the body. It is, therefore, important to understand the link between these mental disorders and deviant behavior. Similarly, how the association can prevent delinquency and reoffending rate among Juvenile offenders must be explored. A basic understanding of these disorders provides a proper treatment and rehabilitation platform.
Hypothesis
This study hypothesizes that youths with mental illness have a higher risk of falling into delinquency than their normal counterparts. The increased number of mental illness individuals is a challenge (Odgers et al., 2005). Mental disorders cannot be stated as the basic cause of juvenile delinquency, although they fall under the factors that cause it. The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the relationship between mental illness and delinquency and review different treatment measures that could be afforded to delinquents.
Rates
Alarmingly, there has been a staggering increase in Juvenile offenders over the years. In 1960, young offenders prosecuted daily in the United States was 1100. Later, the figures were reported in 2009, where the numbers have tripled to 4000. In 2013, however, the number significantly dropped to 2,900 delinquency cases per day (Underwood & Washington, 2016). Previous studies have shown that the rate of mental disorders among juvenile offenders is significantly higher than that of children and adolescents in a normal setting (Odgers et al., 2005). It is estimated that about 2/3 of the male population and 1/3 of the female population suffer from varying forms of mental disorders. In a general sense, up to about 70% of the juvenile delinquent population are diagnosed with a mental illness, with 20% of the diagnosed population having serious mental conditions (Odgers et al., 2005).
In-depth studies carried out among juvenile offenders categorically reveals that there are more prevalent compared to others. These disorders are a key determinant in the tendency of kids to fall into aggressive behaviors. Some common disorders include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Attention-Deficit/ Hyper Attention Disorder (ADHD), depression, and Bi-polar disorder. A study carried out in Canada in 1998 on mental disorder prevalence determined that 30.4% of incarcerated juvenile offenders suffered from depression (Odgers et al., 2005). In a separate study in Toronto in 2003, it was found that about 17.3% of incarcerated Juvenile offenders had bipolar disorders and suffered from depression. About 13 -30 % are diagnosed with attention-deficit/Hyperactive disorder, 11-30% suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, while others exhibit comorbidity and substance abuse disorder (Odgers et al., 2005).
Research shows that adolescents suffering from comorbidity disorder are likely to re-offend during their adolescent stage (Underwood & Washington, 2005). Other kids, like those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders due to abusive past, tend to react violently when they perceive a threat. However, not all mental disorders are disruptive by nature. The varying degrees of mental illness does not only point towards a need for a medical plan but also an integrated approach towards dealing with this issue.
Reasons for Higher Prevalence
Three possible approaches can help to answer the question about the prevalence of mental disorders among juvenile delinquents. The approaches are clinical, social-legal, and inter-systematic. Children and youths with an already existing mental disorder are predisposed to exhibit aggressive and antisocial behavior from a clinical view. Such individuals may get arrested in one of those violent episodes (Hovey, Zolkoski & Bullock, 2017). Mental illness such as bipolar disorder leads to an outburst of emotions such as impulsivity, hostility, and anger, and these give the impression of having unruly behavior.
Laws and statutes are involved when looking at the reasons for the higher prevalence from the social-legal perspective. Also, a category of offenses attracts tough and harsh measures when minors commit. These offenses can easily result in minors being locked away in secure facilities. As per the law, minors have to serve their sentence. The probability of them getting help from a community center is greatly reduced in such cases (Hovey, Zolkoski & Bullock, 2017). The impact of confinement is another angle to consider. Juvenile facilities can negatively influence the mental health of an incarcerated youth. A significant group of youths develops mental illness while confined due to overcrowding, lack of treatment, and detachment from their support system, which is the family.
When looking at the third perspective, the inter-systematic view, we dive into the relationship between the juvenile justice system and other systems involved in serving it. In recent years, the state has reduced the availability of mental health services. The reduction greatly influences the available treatment for delinquents with mental disorders (Havey, Zolkoski & Bullock, 2017). In other studies, it has been suggested that poverty, poor parenting, impaired emotional regulation, and impulse control lead to juvenile delinquency and the development of mental disorders (Kates, Gerber & Case, 2014). A lack of a proper referral system with the clinicians is another angle that causes juvenile delinquents with mental disorders to sore high up. Even with an accurate diagnosis, it cannot be guaranteed that an individual will receive proper treatment.
It is worth mentioning that without treatment, having a mental disorder increases the risk of recidivism. In a study carried out in Florida in 2014, having a conduct disorder diagnosis and self-reported suicide attempts was an effective predictor of an individual likelihood to re-offend (Development Services Group, Inc., 2017). In a separate study of over 100,000 user cases filed in South Carolina by the Department of Juvenile Justice, it was found that diagnosis of aggressive disorder was a strong determinant of a youth’s likelihood to re-offend (Development Services Group, Inc., 2017).
Perceived barriers to treatment among delinquents are another significant factor that increases the prevalence of mental disorders among youths. A study carried out in 2015 of youths struggling with mental and drug abuse disorders showed that most youths believed that their troubles would go away without communicating their problem with others (Development Services Group, Inc., 2017). This means that with their silence, they reduced their chances of getting help beforehand thus lead to them expressing outbursts and landing in detention centers.
Influencers of Mental-Related Issues
- Culture/ Race
Research has consistently shown a high disparity in the number of delinquents locked up based on ethnic background. Non-Caucasian youths are twice likely to be arrested and seven-time more likely to be placed in a secure location. Besides, they are more likely to receive severe sanctions, and in the case of delinquents with mental disorders, they are less likely to be referred for mental health treatment (Undewood & Washington, 2016). There is a staggering over-representation of non-Caucasian youths including, African American, Hispanics in the juvenile detention centers and under-representation regarding treatment for mental health disorders. Research categorically confirms that a Caucasian youth is more likely to receive treatment for their mental illness than a non-Caucasian youth (Hovey, Zolkoski & Bulock, 2017). In relationship to the culture, there is a concern in the treatment modes allied to different cultures. In retrospect, there needs to be mental personnel well versed in cultural differences to influence positive results.
- Gender
Research has shown that there is an increasing disparity in the referral for girls and boys having mental disorders, with girls getting higher referrals as compared to young boys (Odgers et al., 2005). In a study carried out in Texas in 2009, it was reported that girls are more likely to receive a mental health placement rather than incarceration (Development Services Group, Inc., 2017). However, as much as girls are highly referred, follow-ups are much more unlikely. Several reasons support why girls get more referrals than boys. Firstly, most girls are arrested for statute offenses and technical offenses. Secondly, more girls with mental illness are willing to get mental help than boys. Lastly, most girls exhibit internal disorders such as anxiety and depression compared to boys, who tend to lean on the side of aggressive disorders.
- Age
Age is a key determinant of who receives treatment within the justice system. Young juveniles are more likely to receive referrals than their older counterparts (Development Services Group, Inc., 2017). In a study carried out in California, it was found that offenders aged 14 and above received a more punitive approach in the juvenile justice system than the rehabilitative approach (Development Services Group, Inc., 2017).
- Behavior
The rate of mental disorders in the Juvenile Justice System is seven times more than that of a public school system (Odgers et al., 2005). Due to their mental conditions, these individuals experience difficulties in that confined state and are predisposed to exhibiting aggressive behavior even when in a confined system. This earns them an extended period in confinement and may hinder their access to effective interventions.
- Education
Interventions
- Collaboration across the systems
There is a need for all the systems tasked with childcare to unite and work together to reduce the negative effects of mental disorders plaguing most children in the juvenile justice system. Even though the justice system can develop a plan for mental health care on its own, to improve the quality of the care, different public system branches must chip in with their solutions to bring out an integrated approach (Cocozza & Skowyra, 2000).
- Diversion of Youth from Juvenile Justice Systems
Some of the criminal offenses committed by juvenile offenders with mental disorders make them a threat to public safety. This, therefore, means that these delinquents must be locked away to guarantee that such harm as they had caused is never repeated in society. However, prolonged detentions for the other youths worsen their mental conditions. In other cases, detention stimulates the development of a mental condition. Rather than focusing too much on punishing the crime, youths should be redirected to community-based programs (Hovey, Zolkoski & Bullocks, 2017). These programs will prioritize treating and managing the mental disorder that landed the youths in such a mess. It will also ensure that once kids complete the program, they will be integrated into society to work and create meaningful relationships.
- Mental Health Screening
One of the factors that leads to an ever-increasing of juvenile offenders with mental issues is the lack of a proper system to screen delinquents before being admitted into the juvenile system (Underwood and Washington, 2016). Mandatory screening of mental disorders and substance abuse should be conducted before a child or an adolescent is sentenced and locked up. (Cocozza & Skowyra, 2000). The execution of this screening should occur during the early point at which a delinquent encounters the system. It will determine the system’s steps toward effectively correcting and rehabilitating minors.
- Assessment
An assessment helps develop a comprehensive profile of a youth suffering from a mental disorder (Development Services Group, Inc., 2017). It is necessary for youths who exhibit severe mental disorders. Creating a profile takes a longer period when compared to ordinary screening.
- Education
Teachers who work with juvenile offenders should complete mandatory training programs that line accordingly with the mental delinquents’ needs. This will improve their performance and, on top of that, increase their chances of employment or continuing with school once they are out. Getting such an opportunity can play a fundamental role in repurposing their life and diverting them away from criminal tendencies.
The Community-Based Approach
Several community-based approaches exist as an option outside of the care offered to delinquents suffering from mental disorders within the juvenile justice system. One widely known community-based approach is the Multi-System Therapy (MST) approach developed by Hengeles and Bordium in 1997 (Cocozza & Skowra, 2000). MST is a family-based approach that provides mental care at home and in a community setup. This method has proven to positively impact youths suffering from antisocial behaviors (Cocozza & Skowyra, 2000). Different elements have to be integrated when administering community-based therapy to a juvenile offender. These elements include;
- A Strength-based approach to children and families
Many mental caregivers and juvenile justice systems focus on looking into children’s weaknesses and family problems when trying to diagnose the root cause of a problem and find an effective solution. This method is inefficient in bringing healing and a forward approach to youths. An alternative way to it is to focus on the children’s and their families’ strengths. For example, what kind of activity or sport does the kid enjoy that can act as a focus channel and outlet for negative emotions? A caregiver can seek information about important family traditions and thus organize such events. It can help build positive relationships and create a community around affected youths to increase their self-worth.
- Family Involvement
The most important resource in a youth’s life is the family. This has formed a pattern used by clinicians where it is assumed that if the teenager has a problem, it might have originated from the parent. In most cases, youths can be removed from the home to get treatment and then later get reintegrated back. Most youths, if asked, say they would rather get treatment from home. In an integrated family approach, service providers can engage families in the treatment process and build in the parents’ ability to assist their troubled kid.
- Need-Based Approach
Treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of the children normally give the best results (Hovey, Zolkoski, and Bullock, 2017). It is a basic assumption and common mistake that since the service providers are trained to deal with mental disorder issues, they are capable of diagnosing a situation and coming up with the best treatment plan. However, it is needful to listen to the family and the patient’s view and assess what transpires. This allows caregivers to develop a treatment program that adequately addresses a young person’s gap.
d. Individualised Service
The community-based intervention is designed to be flexible to a person’s needs with a mental health condition and their family. As such, it addressed typical needs such as age, gender, and culture.
e. Outcome-Focused Approach
Goals are essential for the community-based approach to function smoothly. Furthermore, a clear plan and path must be stated. The goals can be set by involving the youth and the family. Therefore, the number of goals achieved will evaluate the program’s success.
Impact of Community Treatment on Recidivism
When looking at delinquents with mental disorders, expressing their emotions with violent tendencies is the critical determinant of getting confined (Odgers et al., 2005, Underwood and Washington, 2016). Emotions that lead to violent behavior should be managed. In a community-based approach to dealing with mental disorders, delinquents have more interaction with both family and service providers (Development Services Group, Inc., 2017). Family support and proper clinical care improve one’s chances of recovering from mental illness. It also enhances one’s ability to learn while pursuing one’s career dreams while still in the system. Once the mental illness is accorded the necessary treatment, the risk factor is removed. Besides, participants can re-purpose their lives for more positive things. This reduces the chances that they might fall back into the same hole.
The review of different studies proves that a lot should be done to support delinquents suffering from mental disorders and get better through better treatment. It has been established that mental disorders and drug abuse are a leading cause of teens exhibiting abhorrent behavior. With the advantage of knowing part of the problem, we can create a plan for proper solutions that can be implemented easily. First, the public systems entrusted with childcare must find a way to work together with the mental needs of other kids placed on the front bench. Secondly, the state department should specifically allocate funds directed to dealing with mental disorders among delinquents. These funds will deal with medication and ensure youths within the juvenile justice system and community-based intervention centers receive the best education.
One of the problems leading to the high prevalence of mental disorders among juvenile offenders is the lack of courage and avenues to communicate their emotional problems. There should be a platform designed to create awareness. This platform should be used to encourage teenagers to speak about their feelings. Besides, this platform will provide parents with basic knowledge of the list of indicators of mental health problems and possible courses for intervention. This will reduce the likelihood for a child or a youth to offend and re-offend due to disruptive tendencies resulting from a mental disorder.
References
Hovey, K. A., Zolkoski, S. M., & Bullock, L. M. (2017). Mental Health and the Juvenile Justice System: Issues Related to Treatment and Rehabilitation. World Journal of Education, 7(3), 1-13. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.10540/wje.v7n3pl
Kates, E., Gerber, E. B., & Casey, S. (2014). Prior service utilization in detained youth with mental health needs. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 41(1), 86-92. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-012-0438-4
Odgers, C. L., Burnette, M. L., Chauhan, P., Moretti, M. M., & Reppucci, N. D. (2005). Misdiagnosing the problem: Mental health profiles of incarcerated juveniles. The Canadian Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Review, 14(1), 26.
Development Services Group, Inc. (2017). Intersection Between Mental Health and the Juvenile Justice System. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
Cocozza, J. J., & Skowyra, K. R. (2000). Youth with mental health disorders: Issues and emerging responses. Juv. Just., 7, 3.
Underwood, L. A., & Washington, A. (2016). Mental illness and juvenile offenders. International journal of environmental research and public health, 13(2), 228. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.2290/ijerph13020228
