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SUBSTANCE USE

& MENTAL HEALTH

Families are among the most influential socializing forces in a person’s life. Research
has demonstrated that behavioral issues during childhood can predict subsequent
delinquency and criminal behavior. Youth who are neglected by their parents or grow
up in homes with instability or conflict are at the greatest risk of engaging in future
delinquency. As illustrated, although our prevention youth may not have been flagged
as at risk or involved in the justice system, youth entering these types of programs
experience challenges and have unmet needs.

Comprehensive Assessment
The Comprehensive Assessment is used to design treatment plans for youth in clinical
services. Mental health disorders are prevalent among youth involved in the juvenile justice
system. A meta-analysis of studies examining sex and race differences in mental health symptoms
8
proposed that up to 70% of youth in the juvenile justice system have a diagnosable mental health
problem. Additionally, mental health problems among adolescents are frequently linked to substance
abuse, which is related to a higher risk of suicidal behavior.
The assessment evaluates the youth based on their family history, current behaviors, mental status, strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences.
The qualified clinical team member then decides whether clinical services are recommended based on the assessment results, formulates a
diagnosis, and develops a treatment plan for the youth.

Types of diagnoses: Youth are given primary and secondary diagnoses based on their comprehensive assessment results.
The types of diagnoses are as follows:

» Academic problems » Bipolar disorder » Parent/child relationship problems
» Adjustment disorder » Conduct disorder » Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
» Antisocial behavior » Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder » Substance-abuse disorder
» Anxiety disorder » Inadequate housing » (cannabis, alcohol, tobacco, or stimulants)

» Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder » Intermittent explosive disorder » Victim of child sexual abuse or physical abuse
(ADHD) » Major depressive disorder

8 Vincent, G.M., Grisso, T., Terry, A. Banks, S. (2008). Sex and race differences in mental health symptoms in juvenile justice: The MAYSI-2 national meta-analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Child &
Adolescent Psychiatry, 47 (3), 282-290.

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