Citation

McReynolds LS, Wasserman GA. Crim. Justice Behav. 2008; 35(9): 1174-1185.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0093854808319936

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The authors examine the contribution of disorder to disciplinary infractions among incarcerated male youths. In all, 176 youths recently admitted to a secure assessment center self-administered the Voice Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children--IV. Demographic and justice-related data were abstracted from official records. Younger boys, minority youths, and those who stayed longer were found to infract more. Controlling for these factors, infraction risk was significantly lowered by anxiety, affective disorder, disruptive behavior, or substance use disorder (vs. no disorder), as well as more or more types of disorder. Youths with mental health concerns were less likely to infract.

RESULTS highlight the importance of employing systematic and universal screening rather than relying on observable management problems to identify mental health needs.

Keywords: Juvenile justice

Language: en