Impact of MAYSI-2 Mental Health Screening in Juvenile Detention

Abstract

This poster reports on factors that influenced the rapid adoption and implementation of the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument-version 2 (MAYSI-2) and the perceived consequences of routine MAYSI-2 mental health screening. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with administrators, managers, and front-line staff in juvenile detention centers in three states (n=19). Results will allow us to better inform juvenile justice facilities regarding the conditions under which screening can more often result in increases in mental health services to youth entering the system and help guide future efforts to provide technology to juvenile justice programs in the interest of youths. InTRoduCTIon Recent evidence suggests that the prevalence of mental disorders among youths in the juvenile justice system is two to three times higher than youths in the general population. Within the past five years, mental health screening upon entry to a juvenile justice facility has become standard practice across the nation. We know more about the validity and reliability of mental health screening tools used in this context than we do about the factors that facilitate their implementation. If they are not implemented properly, their adequate validity is virtually lost. Effective screening procedures require attention to how they are put in place and how they actually function within juvenile justice facilities. Introduced in 2000, the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument—Second Version (MAYSI-2) is now the most widely used mental health screening tool in juvenile justice secure facilities in the U.S. The National Youth Screening and Assistance Project (NYSAP), funded by the MacArthur Foundation, provides technical assistance nationwide for juvenile justice programs implementing mental health screening. ConCluSIonS And ReCommendATIonS Findings regarding the first three research questions suggest the following recommendations: n Develop a policy that avoids repetitive administration of the MAYSI-2. n Use a standard set of instructions for completing the MAYSI-2 when introducing youths to the instrument. n Use a standard set of instructions when introducing youths to the MAYSI-2 or any other screening tool. n Develop policy and practice to assure legally and clinically appropriate uses of mental health screening data.