Health Care for Youth in Juvenile Correctional Facilities: Are We Meeting Their Needs?
Regular check-ups, dental visits, mental health services -- Are youth in juvenile correctional facilities receiving the same care as their peers in public schools?
Given that youth with a history of justice system involvement have been found to be at greater risk for a variety of health issues than other youth (e.g., tuberculosis, dental caries, trauma, asthma) Calla Brown, MD, an academic general pediatrics fellow in the Department of Pediatrics, explored whether youth in juvenile correctional facilities were receiving regular check-ups, dental care, and mental health services. Brown, HYD-PRC faculty Rebecca Shlafer, PhD, and Department of Pediatrics research associate Laurel Davis, PhD, evaluated self-reported health and receipt of health services among youth in Minnesota juvenile correctional facilities who completed the 2016 Minnesota Student Survey.
This team found that youth of color were disproportionately represented among youth in juvenile correctional facilities as compared to youth in public schools. Youth in juvenile correctional facilities were more likely to report fair or poor health, being overweight or obese, a disability or long-term health condition, and a long-term mental health, behavioral, or emotional problem. Almost 30% of youth in juvenile corrections reported suicidal ideation in the past year, and around 20% reported a suicide attempt in the last 12 months. There was a statistically significant relationship between self-reported mental health treatment in the past year and a positive depression screening score, suicidal ideation, and a history of suicide attempt.
Incarcerated youth have been found to have higher rates of both mental health needs and physical health issues than youth in public schools. “Disturbingly, we found that approximately 10% of youth in juvenile correctional facilities who reported a suicide attempt in the past year did not report receiving mental health care within the same time frame,” said Brown. “With nearly two-thirds of incarcerated youth reporting mental health symptoms, we need to do a better job of identifying mental health issues, providing appropriate treatment, and supporting these youth.”
“With nearly two-thirds of incarcerated youth reporting mental health symptoms, we need to do a better job of identifying mental health issues, providing appropriate treatment, and supporting these youth.” - Calla Brown
“This study raises some important questions,” said Shlafer. Recent research suggests that incarceration in adolescence is associated with negative health outcomes in adulthood, however underlying mechanisms for these relationships are unknown at this time. “If justice system involvement during adolescence is related to poorer health in adulthood, it seems imperative that these youth should receive increased support to address their health needs,” stated Shlafer. “However,” Brown noted, “these data expose significant gaps in health care for this vulnerable population.”
Furthermore, the recent extrajudicial killing of George Floyd and murder of Philando Castile in Minneapolis area are brutal examples of the way that racism affects policing in Minnesota. Given that youth of color are over-represented in juvenile correctional facilities, it is urgent that we address racism in arrests, detention, and sentencing of youth if we are to work towards health for all.
To view the full article, Are We Meeting Their Needs? Well-child, Dental, and Mental Health Care for Youth in Juvenile Correctional Facilities in Minnesota, please click here.