Research: Mental Health
Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Youth in Contact With the Juvenile Justice System in System of Care Communities
This National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice report provides an overview of the challenges many system of care communities face in working with children, youth, and young adults involved or at risk of involvement with the juvenile justice system and provides examples of how some communities have overcome these challenges. PDF, 537 KB
Successfully Collaborating With the Juvenile Justice System: Benefits, Challenges, and Key Strategies
This National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice report takes a closer look at the importance of true collaboration between community-based child-serving agencies in providing a comprehensive array of services and supports and fostering positive outcomes for children, youth, and young adults involved or at risk of involvement with the juvenile justice system. PDF, 406 KB
Systems of Care Programs That Serve Youth Involved With the Juvenile Justice System: Funding and Sustainability
This National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice report explores ways in which communities can financially sustain the efforts they have in place to meet the needs of children, youth, and young adults involved or at risk of involvement with the juvenile justice system after the SAMHSA funding period has ended. PDF, 459 KB
Why Investing in Trauma-Informed
Care for Children Makes Sense
This Justice Policy Institute report discusses the ramifications of trauma on youth and its impact on youth involvement in both the juvenile and criminal justice systems. The publication describes the causes of trauma and how it affects brain development in children. The report gives recommendations on effectively supporting youth afflicted by traumatic events. PDF, 201.9 KB
Emily J. Settlement Agreement (June 3, 2005)
New settlement on the Emily J. case. This settlement will provide $8.5 million to help pay for new foster homes, group homes, intense home-based counseling and substance abuse treatment for hundreds of youths, starting in Hartford and expanding statewide in 2006. PDF, 118.46 KB
Mental Health and Juvenile Justice:
Promising Practices in Texas
An estimated 20 percent of the young people involved in state juvenile justice systems suffer from severe mental health disorders. Yet until recently, most juvenile justice systems have paid little attention to the mental health needs of the children and youth with whom they come in contact. However, there have been some steps towards a more coherent approach. One state that has begun to make progress is Texas. web site
Mental Health Cabinet Report
In 2004, Lieutenant Governor Kevin Sullivan and the Connecticut Mental Health Cabinet released a report, detailing proposals designed to improve Connecticut’s failing system of mental health care. The report recommends expanding early intervention, treatment and transition services through Young Adult Services and extending KidCare to add care coordinators, family advocacy services, community collaborative coordinators and flexible emergency funding for children not in state custody. PDF, 535.5 KB
Overview of Evidence-based Practices for Youth in Connecticut
Bob Frank gave this Powerpoint presentation to the Judiciary, Childrens, and Appropriations committees on March 9, 2007 for Educate the Legislature Day. PowerPoint, 1.86 MB
The Role of Behavioral Health Screenings
and Assessments in Connecticut’s Juvenile Justice System
A recent report released by the Connecticut Center for Effective Practice looks at behavioral health screening and assessment in the juvenile justice system to show how these tools can help children and families to overcome mental health issues and build healthy lives. PDF, 190 KB
What are the Implications of Adolescent
Brain Development on Juvenile Justice?
Coalition for Juvenile Justice Emerging Concepts Brief. A presentation of research findings intended to inform and improve juvenile justice and delinquency prevention policy and practice. PDF, 697.57 KB