Factors affecting the recognition of mental health problems among adolescent offenders in custody

Abstract

Adolescent offenders have high levels of mental health problems leading to poor short-term and long-term outcomes. However, many problems still go undetected despite recent screening initiatives, and little is known about the factors affecting recognition of their problems. A random sample of 115 detained boys was interviewed following reception into custody to compare the differences between those whose problems were recognised at prison screening and those whose problems were missed. Almost half of the boys with mental health problems were missed at reception screening; internalising problems such as depression were more likely to be missed. Boys who used behavioural coping strategies or who subjectively rated themselves as having problems were more likely to be recognised. Further improvement is needed in screening, and greater attention should be given to internalising disorders and young people's subjective rating of health status.