Indianapolis, Indiana – Based on the Indiana University School of Medicine’s research findings, detained juvenile youth need improved mental health services, although the state has been in the lead on providing such services as well as mental health screening.
The academy’s research findings entitled “A Statewide Collaboration to Initiate Mental Health Screening and Assess Services for Indiana Detained Youths” were published in the American Journal of Public Health’s October issue.
The research involved 25,265 visits, along with 15,461 detained youths that occurred between 2008 and 2011. The youths were imprisoned within 16 detention centers, who participated in the health screening project, which was also a statewide partnership between the Indiana State Bar Association, Criminal Justice Institute, and many other community members. The health screening also served as an urgent care clinic among the juvenile youths.
The main goals were to administer mental health screening, assess the availability as well as the scope of mental health follow-ups and referral services in detention centers, including the evaluation of disparity that exist due to the geographic location and size of a certain detention facility. The research work was also intended to identify the percentage of detained youths who are in need of such services. Thus, the mental health screening served as an urgent care near me facility among the participants.
The project revealed several vital facts that validate the need for improved mental health services for youth detainees, including their release, Professor of pediatrics Matthew C. Aalsma said. The professor also pointed out that the study indicated high percentage of mental health problems among those in the juvenile justice system, and such issue needs urgent care and immediate improvements. The improvements are also necessary in enabling the youths to access mental health services even if they are discharged from prison.
The health screening was able to discover mental health issues in 7 major areas including drug or alcohol abuse, irritability or anger, anxiety or depression, suicide ideation, somatic complaints, traumatic experiences, and thought disturbance. The findings were not considered as diagnostic tools, but to alert detention center staff that detainees exhibit clinical symptoms, which require the services of urgent care clinics plus follow-up services.
The comprehensive screenings indicated the follow-up mental health needs of youth detainees that require improved mental health services, considering the 61% of the overall participants were found to be positive in receiving follow-ups after their release.
Dr. Aalsma added that aside from Indiana, Pennsylvania has also implemented mental health screening projects, but improved mental health services and consistency are similarly necessary in enhancing the overall mental health state of Indiana youth detainees.
