Problem Statement
Mental disorder has become an emerging problem in the Juvenile justice system. It has been identified that there are already juvenile delinquents who have mental conditions but they are often placed and treated similarly to those not suffering from mental disorders. It is a problem that if not addressed can result into harmful consequences for the entire society. Therefore, it is imperative to embark on a study that will help in identifying such delinquent youths, as well as solutions that can be applied to eventually contain the situation.
Justification of the Problem
The juvenile justice system is increasingly facing challenges of youth with mental disorders, and the ability to rehabilitate them is not growing as fast. It will deny this population justice if their mental condition is not evaluated and they are given the treatment that they deserve. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for doctors and psychologists who are currently in short supply to help the juvenile justice system in ensuring that these youth go through a well-structured rehabilitation system. Furthermore, juvenile delinquents who are found to be having mental problems need not be taken to juvenile centers of detention but to special facilities with the right conditions to aid the youth to go through a smooth recovery.
Alternatives (Policy Options)
Alternatives include training more social workers to help families cope with stressful situations. Secondly, the youth’s mental status should be evaluated before they are sent to juvenile centers. Lastly, rehabilitation programs should be commenced in all the juvenile detention centers to give the youth the much-needed services which are crucial for their rehabilitation.
Evidence (Annotated bibliography)
Margaret, A. (2011). Child and Adolescent Mental Health: Interdisciplinary Systems of Care. London: Jones and Bartlett.
Statistics indicate that majority of the juvenile offenders are likely to engage in reoffending if the root cause is not addressed. To them, they do not see anything wrong in the delinquent acts because they are acting out of a mental need possibly arising from some unresolved issue in their childhood.
Bardach, E. (2015). A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving. London: SAGE Publications.
Reports indicate that out of five juvenile detainees in Illinois, one is suffering from some mental condition. Almost a third of the youth in the system do not know why they are in the facility.
Francine, S. (2014). Juvenile Justice: Advancing Research, Policy, and Practice. London: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Some of the juveniles do not see a fault in their offending acts, and they would repeat the same should they be let free. They lack the people to guide them and a place to have a proper upbringing.
Thomas, G. (2013). Double Jeopardy: Adolescent Offenders with Mental Disorders. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Most of the youth engaged in juvenile delinquency come from stressful backgrounds such as the loss loved ones and family members or having an abusive childhood. Concerned parties should always research on the motivating factors that make juveniles engage in crime.
Gerald, M. (2010). Child Welfare foe the Twenty-first Century: A Handbook of Practices, Policies and Programs. New York: Columbia University Press.
