Adolescents In Detention Research Articles

Multidisciplinary partnership: Targeting aggression and mental health problems of adolescents in detention.

Justice-involved adolescents meet diagnostic criteria for mental health disorders at much higher rates than their counterparts, and this increased risk persists into young adulthood (Abram et al., 2015; Teplin, Abram, McClelland, Dulcan, & Mericle, 2002). Despite growing recognition of this problem, there remains a dearth of adequate therapeutic services in juvenile detention and marked variation in the quality and availability of community-based services (Kretschmar, Butcher, Flannery, & Singer, 2016). This article presents the development of a multidisciplinary partnership among clinical research psychologists and court professionals to address aggressive behaviors and unmet mental health needs of adolescents in the juvenile justice system. We describe the early stages of collaboration, in which experts from disparate disciplines joined forces to address a mounting problem in the juvenile justice system that represented both a gap in the research-practice continuum and a lack of vital mental health resources in the local community. We delineate the team composition, outline key players' roles and contributions, and describe the principles that guided our collaboration across disciplines and agencies. We were effective in developing a sustainable multidisciplinary team, developing a new intervention, and implementing this new intervention in a challenging setting. The challenges we encountered throughout the process as well as the solutions that were generated and the lessons learned are discussed in detail. We discuss the substantive outcomes of our research and conclude with recommendations for readers interested in organizing similar academic-research/community partnerships. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Protective and punitive discourses on adolescents in detention in Brazil

(analítico): objetiva-se apreender os sentidos de proteção integral no atendimento ao adolescente em medida de internação, modalidade de medida socioeducativa mais aplicada no Brasil na atualidade. Esta pesquisa foi realizada através de entrevista semiestruturada com oito trabalhadores e análise documental do PIA, RTA, evolução do caso, sentença, relatório de avaliação in loco e medida socioeducativa pública, no Centro Educacional Masculino (CEM) em Teresina-PI, Brasil. Sob a perspectiva da análise do discurso, apreendeu-se, com base nos resultados, que os sentidos de proteção integral adquirem caráter de punição, pela compreensão do ato infracional pela ótica individual, naturalizando os processos de violência e culpabilizando a família. Nessa lógica, os discursos protetivo e punitivo alternaram-se, como se fizessem parte de uma mesma lógica de intervenção.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Schooled Adolescents in Detention

Objective: The detention have a negative impact on the psychological well-being of adolescents in detention; the purpose of our study is to assess the post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD in a incarcerated adolescents in school at the level of the centre of reform and discipline of the prefecture of Sale in Morocco, to evaluate comorbid disorders and thus to study the effect of PTSD on their social and school life. Method and measures: Regarding to 52 adolescents, incarcerated male in school who have complemented the objectives of the study, their age varies between 13 and 17 years old and they supplemented by themselves successively questionnaires concerning sociodemographic data, a list of life events score, the CPTS-RI (Children Post Traumatic Stress Reaction Index) to assess the symptoms of PTSD, the STAIY (State Trait anxiety Inventory) and CDI (Children Depression Inventory). Results: A high proportion of post-traumatic stress disorder was found among students with 78.85% but with different levels (23.08% PTSD low, 28.85% PTSD moderate and 26.92% PTSD severe). 84.62% of students are anxious and 82.7% of students experience depression. In the event the main traumatic condition that caused the post-traumatic stress disorder was detention with 44.2% followed by a road accident with 15.4%. PTSD, anxiety and depression have a negative effect on students’ school life; therefore, 90.4% of students have poor grades. Conclusion: Given this specific category of students who are in detention and who are in deficit serious school, we have this high rate of post-traumatic stress disorder. There are the practical implications for the support and care for these adolescents.

Exploring Primary and Secondary Variants of Psychopathy in Adolescents in Detention and in the Community

The current study aims to ascertain how different variants of callous–unemotional traits differ in their psychopathology, exposure to aggression and violence, and aggressive and violent behavior. If secondary/distressed variants (high in callous–unemotional traits and high in anxiety) and primary/traditional variants (high in callous–unemotional traits and low in anxiety) differ along these dimensions, it may speak to their different etiologies, treatment needs (e.g., trauma focused), and responsiveness to treatment. The current sample consisted of 799 adolescents from high schools (n = 419) and juvenile detention centers (n = 380). Participants were interviewed regarding their callous–unemotional traits, psychopathology, exposure to aggression and violence, and aggressive and violent behavior. Parents/guardians and teachers/staff members also reported on participants’ callous–unemotional traits and aggressive and violent behavior. A model-based cluster analysis indicated that there were four clusters in the data set, based on callous–unemotional traits and anxiety: a nonvariant cluster, a primary/traditional callous–unemotional cluster, a secondary/distressed callous–unemotional cluster, and a “fearful” cluster. Secondary/distressed variants of psychopathy exhibited significantly greater symptoms of depression and psychoticism, more exposure to low level aggression and neighborhood violence, and more aggressive and violent behavior, as compared to the other clusters. Adolescents with callous–unemotional traits might not be a homogeneous group, but rather may differ in attitudes, behaviors, and exposure to risk, therefore differing in their treatment needs and responsiveness.

Detention, denial, and death: migration hazards for refugee children.

Detention, denial, and death: migration hazards for refugee children.

Psychopathology of adolescent detained versus psychiatric inpatient females

Several studies have shown high rates of psychopathology among female adolescents in detention. Although rates of mental health problems have been called alarming, it is unknown whether mental health needs in females in juvenile justice differ substantially from those of females in mental health care. Therefore, this study compared adolescent females in detention with inpatient adolescent females. For this purpose, a sample of 256 detained females (mean age 15.4±1.3) was compared to 45 psychiatric inpatient females (mean age 15.8±1.4). Socio-demographic characteristics, mental health history and psychiatric problems were investigated using file-information and self-report questionnaires. Compared to detained females, inpatients more often showed internalizing problems and dissociation, whereas externalizing problems prevailed in girls in detention centers. Females in detention more often came from an ethnic minority group, while females in mental healthcare more often received mental healthcare previously and had parents with higher employment. This study confirms that mental health needs of girls in mental healthcare and in detention are high. However, non-mental health related factors were different as well – i.e. socio-economic factors – and are likely to influence the involvement with either service sector.

Positive outlook as a moderator of the effectiveness of an HIV/STI intervention with adolescents in detention

Justice-involved adolescents engage in high levels of risky sexual behavior, underscoring the need for targeted, effective, prevention interventions geared toward this population. In a randomized controlled trial, 484 detained adolescents received a theory-based intervention or an information-only control. We have previously demonstrated that the theory-based intervention was superior to the control condition in changing theoretical mediators and in producing longitudinal decreases in risky sexual behavior. In the present study, we examined differential response to the intervention based on the adolescents' level of positive outlook (composed of self-esteem, perceived control over the future and optimism toward the future). Changes to putative theoretical mediators (attitudes, perceived norms, self-efficacy and intentions) were measured immediately post-intervention, and behavioral data were obtained 3, 6, 9 and 12 months later. Positive outlook significantly moderated program effects both in the context of the mediational path model and in the context of the longitudinal growth model. Specifically, intervention effects were strongest for those scoring relatively lower on the positive outlook dimension, whereas adolescents high in positive outlook demonstrated greater attitudes and self-efficacy and decreased risky sexual behavior, regardless of condition. Findings are discussed in terms of targeting and tailoring of intervention content.

Primary care services provided to adolescents in detention: a cross‐sectional study using ICPC‐2

The aim of this study was to provide a detailed description of the health problems for which primary care services are provided to adolescents in a juvenile detention facility in Europe. We reviewed the medical files of all detainees in a juvenile detention centre in Switzerland in 2007. The health problems for which primary care services were provided were coded using the International Classification for Primary Care, version 2. Analysis was descriptive, stratified by gender. A total of 314 adolescents (18% female) aged 11-19 years were included. Most (89%) had a health assessment and 195 (62%) had consultations with a primary care physician; 80% of the latter had a physical health problem, and 60% had a mental health problem. The most commonly managed problems were skin (49.7%), respiratory (23.6%), behavioural (22.6%) and gynaecological problems (females: 23.9%); 13% females (no males) had sexually transmitted infections (STI), and 8.7% were pregnant. Substance abuse was common (tobacco: 64.6%, alcohol: 26.2%, cannabis: 31.3%). In addition to health problems known to be more prevalent among young offenders, such as mental health problems and STI, these adolescent detainees required care for a range of common primary care problems. These data should inform the development of comprehensive primary care services in all juvenile detention facilities in Europe.

Primary Care Services Provided to Adolescents in Detention: A Study in a Juvenile Detention Facility in Switzerland

Purpose: The healthcare needs of young offenders are known to be higher than those in the general population. Most publications to date focus on the differential needs of this population, yet little is known on the range of generic primary care needs in this group. The aim of this study was to identify the range of problems for which primary care was provided in a juvenile detention facility in order to inform the development of future primary care services in detention. It was also to provide a detailed description of the primary care needs of adolescents detained in a juvenile detention facility in Europe.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Adolescents in Detention

To assess the prevalence and correlates of hepatitis C virus infection in a sample of detained adolescents. Cross-sectional prevalence study with 10- to 18-year-old adolescents who were consecutively admitted to a juvenile detention center in San Antonio, Tex. The prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and associated risk factors. Of the 1002 participants, 75% were Hispanic and the mean age was 15 years. Twenty adolescents had laboratory data consistent with hepatitis C virus infection, giving an overall prevalence of 2.0% (95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.1). All adolescents infected with hepatitis C virus were Hispanic (13 boys and 7 girls). Although a high proportion of the participants reported having had intranasal drug use (55.6%), tattooing (50.5%), or body piercing (25.3%), the only factor significantly associated with hepatitis C virus infection was having a history of injection drug use. Injection drug use was reported by 5.3% of the participants but by 95% (19/20) of those infected with the hepatitis C virus. This study indicates that injection drug use was linked with the majority of hepatitis C virus infections in this population of detained adolescents, similar to findings in adults. These adolescents reported a high frequency of other behaviors that could potentially pose a risk for contracting bloodborne infections. Effective prevention and awareness programs in a detention setting need to be comprehensive and include screening, hepatitis A and B immunizations, and risk-reduction counseling.

Chlamydia Prevalence Among Adolescent Females and Males in Juvenile Detention Facilities in California

With the advent of urine–based chlamydia tests, screening can be conducted in juvenile detention facilities. To determine chlamydia infection rates among female and male juvenile detainees in seven detention facilities in California, urine–based chlamydia testing was conducted from September 2000 through July 2002. Participants provided data on demographics and use of health care services. Among the 1,284 females, chlamydia prevalence was 12.9%; among the 4,778 males, prevalence was 6.0%. Overall, 54.3% of females and 70.5% of males reported not having received primary care in the previous year. High chlamydia prevalence combined with poor access to primary care among adolescents in detention warrants screening for chlamydia in juvenile detention facilities.

Comparing the Behaviors and Social Environments of Offending and Non-Offending African-American Adolescents

Examined in the study were the behaviors and social environments of 106 (13 through 17 years old) African-American adolescent males in juvenile detention compared with 106 not in juvenile detention using age as the matching criterion. A modified version of the Children's Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism (C-SAGA) was used as the interview scale. Chi-square analyses showed significant differences in the relative proportion of adolescents in detention and those not in detention with respect to alcohol abuse and conduct disorder. Logistic regression analysis showed the following to increase the likelihood of being in detention: (1) drinking alcohol and getting into fights; (2) being suspended from school; (3) being expelled from school; (4) breaking into property; (5) being held back in school. On the other hand, mother's time spent with the child was found to decrease the likelihood of adolescents serving juvenile detention.

Urine-based screening of adolescents in detention to guide treatment for gonococcal and chlamydial infections. Translating research into intervention.

To determine the utility of urine-based ligase chain reaction assays for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis in (1) the acceptability of such testing to adolescent detainees, (2) the potential use of these tests for identifying asymptomatic infections, and (3) the effectiveness of this approach for ensuring treatment of infected adolescents. Cross-sectional screening and verification of treatment for infected cases. Adolescents admitted to a short-term juvenile detention center. Neisseria gonorrhoeae and C trachomatis infection rates, and timing and location of treatment for infected patients. Refusal rate was 1.5%. Of 263 participants, 46 (17.5%) were female subjects. Chlamydia trachomatis infections were identified in 28.3% of the female and 8.8% of the male subjects. Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections were present in 13.1% of the female and 2.8% of the male subjects. Overall, 37 participants (14%) were positive for N gonorrhoeae, C trachomatis, or both, only one of whom had symptoms. Almost 70% (25/36) of asymptomatic infected subjects were treated within 28 days of screening. A treatment was documented in 36 of the 37 infected youth, including 20 who were followed up and treated after release from the detention center, by 6 months after testing. Urine ligase chain reaction tests were effective for identifying and guiding treatment of unsuspected N gonorrhoeae and C trachomatis infections in teenagers admitted to a short-term detention center where traditional swab specimens may be difficult to obtain.

Developing and Implementing a Group Skill Training Intervention to Reduce HIV/AIDS Risk Among Sexually Active Adolescents in Detention

Abstract Youth in detention are at higher risk for HIV/AIDS than other sexually active adolescents. This article describes the development of an 8-hour, coed group skilltraining program implemented in a county detention facility with 75 high-risk, heterosexual adolescents-39 African-American (AF) and 36 European-American (EA) teenagers, ages 14 to 17 years. The TAKE 5 training program attempts to create a positive, interactive learning environment through metaphor, sequential learning, membergenerated situations for practice, game formats, and peer facilitators. Training goals include providing adolescents with a range of specific interpersonal skills to help them discuss, negotiate, or insist on condom use with their sexual partners, or to decline unprotected sexual intercourse, in all situations. Four skill steps provided the foundation and organization for the intervention; Think it up, Bring it up, Keep it up. and Reward it. Interventiondevelopment activities included operationalizing generalization p...

Sexual behavior and sexually transmitted diseases among male adolescents in detention.

Youth in detention represent a medically underserved population at risk for a variety of medical and emotional disorders. To determine prevalence of STDs and high-risk sexual behaviors for HIV/STD among adolescent males admitted to a juvenile detention facility. Cross-sectional study of behavioral risk factors and STD prevalence among detained males, 11 to 18 years of age. Study subjects were interviewed for behavioral history and screened for STD. The median number of lifetime partners of the population was 8 (range 1-100), the number of partners in the preceding 4 months was 2 in median (range 0-30), 59% used a condom with their last sex, and consistent condom use in the past 4 months was reported by 37%. A history of sexual intercourse within the last one week was reported by 43%. Chlamydia trachomatis infection rate was 6.9% (66/957), Neisseria gonorrhoeae 4.5% (42/940) and syphilis 0.9% (8/930) including one who seroconverted while in detention. Overall, 12% (109/908) of subjects tested for all three infections were positive for at least one STD. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that greater than one partner in the previous 4 months (OR 1.53, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.18-1.98), inconsistent or no condom use in the preceding 4 months (OR 1.77, 95%CI 1.37-2.28), a history of recent STD (OR 1.80, 95%CI 1.33-2.42) and greater than five lifetime partners (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.41-2.92) were independent predictors of these STDs in this population. Detained juvenile males in our study were at a high-risk for STD/HIV infections and probably form a core group of STD transmitters. Vigorous attempt to reduce STD reservoir and change behavior of juveniles in detention, such as our study subjects, is urgently needed for the control of the STD/HIV infections.