Abstract
There is growing evidence that young people within the youth justice system have high levels of needs in a number of different areas, including health, education, and social and emotional well-being (Chitsabesan et al., 2006; Lader et al., 2000). In particular, studies consistently suggest high levels of mental health needs (see, for example, Teplin et al., 2002) and neurodevelopmental disorders amongst young offenders (as summarised by Hughes et al., 2012). Despite evidence of high prevalence, many of these needs are unmet due to lack of appropriate screening and identification and poor continuity of care (Harrington and Bailey, 2005). This is particularly apparent amongst young people in custody. A review by the Office of the Children’s Commissioner for England (2011) raised concerns about the lack of provision in place for supporting and promoting the emotional well-being and mental health of children and young people in the youth justice system. In this chapter we explore the prevalence of a wide range of mental health needs and neurodevelopmental disorders amongst young offenders, offering comparison to rates in the general population. We then consider the implications for approaches to screening, assessment and intervention to support the identification and effective management of these needs.
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© 2016 Prathiba Chitsabesan and Nathan Hughes
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Chitsabesan, P., Hughes, N. (2016). Mental Health Needs and Neurodevelopmental Disorders amongst Young Offenders: Implications for Policy and Practice. In: Winstone, J. (eds) Mental Health, Crime and Criminal Justice. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137453884_7
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