|
1
|
Marr C, Gaskin C, Kasinathan J, Kaye S, Singh Y, Dean K. The prevalence of mental illness in young people in custody over time: a comparison of three surveys in New South Wales. PSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOLOGY, AND LAW : AN INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION OF PSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOLOGY AND LAW 2023; 31:235-253. [PMID: 38628250 PMCID: PMC11018085 DOI: 10.1080/13218719.2023.2192257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Few studies have examined the prevalence of mental illness in young people over time within the same jurisdiction. In the current study, we compared data from three large surveys of youth in custody in New South Wales, conducted in 2003, 2009 and 2015. We examined rates of mental illness, self-harm and suicidal behaviours, substance use and childhood trauma and found little consistent change over time, though some fluctuations were observed regarding certain mental illnesses and substance use. We also descriptively compared findings with observed rates for the general population and found that young people in custody showed higher levels of all examined variables. In sum, these data suggest little improvement in the well-being of young people in custody in New South Wales over time. Better identification and treatment of these issues are vital if young people are to be prevented from becoming enmeshed in the criminal justice system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carey Marr
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Claire Gaskin
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - John Kasinathan
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Sharlene Kaye
- Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Yolisha Singh
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Kimberlie Dean
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
|
2
|
Maxwell Y, Day A, Casey S. Understanding the needs of vulnerable prisoners: the role of social and emotional wellbeing. Int J Prison Health 2013; 9:57-67. [DOI: 10.1108/17449201311326934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
|
3
|
Schwalbe CS, Gearing RE, Mackenzie MJ, Brewer KB, Ibrahim RW. The impact of length of placement on self-reported mental health problems in detained Jordanian youth. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2013; 36:107-112. [PMID: 23415371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2013.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study reports the prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems among youths placed in juvenile correctional facilities in Jordan and describes the effect of length of stay on mental health outcomes. METHOD The Youth Self Report (YSR) was administered to 187 adolescent males (mean age=16.4, SD=1.0) in all five juvenile detention facilities in Jordan in 2011. Descriptive statistics were calculated to estimate the prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems. Logistic regression models were estimated to evaluate the impact of placement length on mental health. Statistical models were weighted by the youth propensity to be 'long-stay' youths (>23 weeks) based on preplacement case characteristics. RESULTS The prevalence of clinically significant emotional and behavioral problems was 84%. 46% had YSR scores above the clinical cutpoint in both the internalizing and externalizing subscales. 24% of youths reported suicidal ideation. The high prevalence of emotional and behavioral disorders was stable across placement for most YSR subscales. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of emotional and behavioral disorders among detained and incarcerated youth in Jordan mirrors the literature worldwide. These findings suggest that serious mental health problems for many youths persist throughout placement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Craig S Schwalbe
- Columbia University School of Social Work, 1255 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY 10027, United States.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|