Written by Mark San Juan

Can you even imagine a teenager, who is actually a child, locked away in a detention center, struggling with not just the mistake they made, but also the emotional scars they carry? It’s a tragic picture, but it’s the reality of so many of these young people that face a lot more than just legal battles. They fight against trauma, anxiety, and issues with mental health that might have even caused them to be there in the first place.

Sometimes, we think of mental health care as a bonus, especially in rehabilitation, but it’s not a perk; it’s an essential part of the process. If you don’t address the deeper issues, then what chance do these young offenders have of breaking the cycle and being a valuable part of society? Slim to none, that’s what. Current statistical analysis data supports this and reveals the scale of the issue.

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has reported that more than 70% of youth in the juvenile justice system experience some form of mental disorder. But only approx. 15% of them receive appropriate/effective treatment.

Youth detention centers absolutely must focus on mental health because it’s the way to heal the offenders and to give them a chance to take control of their future – outside the bars.

2 Reasons Why Mental Health Support Is So Important in Juvenile Rehabilitation

Taking care of mental health is important for everyone, even if you live a normal life, but it’s especially important for those that are vulnerable, like the young people in detention centers.

The Illinois Juvenile Court Act of 1987 (statute) outlines procedures for how to handle juvenile cases, and emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment while mandating consideration of a minor’s mental health needs.

Furthermore, Public Act 102-0193 (signed into law in 2021) amends the Juvenile Court Act to enhance court reviews and oversight. This act has the aim of improving outcomes for minors (especially those with mental health concerns/issues).

If issues with mental health are handled on time, then there’s less chance of future offenses and young offenders have a foundation for a healthier life.

1. Common Mental Health Issues in Youth Detention

Anxiety and Depression

These are the most common issues and they’re often the consequence of trauma they’ve experienced in the past, being uncertain about their future, and the stress of being in a detention facility.

If they’re not treated, these conditions can result in withdrawal, aggression, and negative behaviors in the future.

Trauma and PTSD

A lot of people in youth detention centers have experienced abuse, violence, and neglect. This can lead to PTSDs, which manifests in flashbacks, serious anxiety, and not being able to trust others.

Anyone in this situation, whether they’re in jail, detention center, or free, has to get help through therapy to work through the trauma and start to heal.

Behavioral Disorders

Conditions like ADHD and ODD (oppositional defiant disorder) can worsen in environments like youth detention centers and as a result, you get conflicts with the staff and other detainees.

Proper mental health support can help with managing these conditions and provide young people with healthier coping mechanisms.

Substance Abuse

Approximately 50% of detained youth have a history of drug/alcohol use. These addictions/dependencies are often masking deeper underlying mental health issues and require specialized treatment approaches to address both the addiction and what’s underneath.

Based on the report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), facilities that have adopted trauma-informed practices have reported a 25% reduction in recidivism rates.

Ignoring substance abuse can worsen the youth’s chances of successfully integrating back into society, and is increasing the risk of recidivism.

2. What Happens When Mental Health Issues Go Untreated

Increased Risk of Recidivism

With no mental health support, young offenders are far more likely to commit a crime again, and the way to break this cycle is to address the underlying mental health issues.

In fact, According to Mental Health America, youth with untreated mental health issues are far more likely to re-offend. While the data varies from region to region, it still supports this data point.

Let’s take a look at some worldwide data:

If you take Europe and Africa as an example, you can see a correlation between the rate of reoffending and access to mental health treatment. The data shows that high access to mental health treatment results in a low recidivism rate, and vice-versa.

Of course, other factors (e.g., socio-economic status, exposure to violence/trauma, substance abuse, availability of community resources, family structure, education, etc.) could also be contributing to this, but it goes to show how treatment (or the lack of) can affect reoffending rates at a significant rate.

This way, these young people can develop skills to make better decisions and to control themselves.

Challenges with Rejoining the Society

Untreated mental health issues make life hard in general, but when you have an offender, they’ll also struggle with reintegrating into society, relationships, education, and getting a decent job.

Rehabilitation programs that are actually effective and not just a formality can improve their chances of being a functioning member of the community.

Effects on Relationships with Family and Community

When you deal with mental health issues, you’re not the only one affected; the people around you go through it, too.

If the issues aren’t treated, then the relationships with everyone suffer, and reintegration becomes much more difficult.

(Long-Term) Benefits of Mental Health Support

Today, mental health is being recognized and prioritized in youth rehabilitation at a much larger rate than in the past. And beyond simply helping the youth in question, the correct treatment can have a positive ripple effect on others, as well.

For example, their families, their friends, communities, and society as a whole.

Reduced Crime Rate

As we can see from the table above, effective mental health programs reduce recidivism rates. In the U.S., about a quarter of (future) offenders are being steered off their paths, and are being reintegrated into society.

And that is a good thing. Both for the youth that’s been rehabilitated, so that they can have better lives (outside of detention or correctional facilities), plus there’s also the benefit for the whole society, as they won’t need to experience crime that would’ve otherwise happened.

Community Integration

Rehabilitated youths who’ve received mental health support are more likely to contribute towards their communities (e.g., education, employment, etc.).

Breaking Generational Cycles

When you address mental health issues and correct them, especially in young offenders, you’re helping break cycles of trauma that (possibly) were occurring in preceding generations, but more importantly, pave a brighter future for the next generation.

Legal Support and Advocacy for Survivors of Abuse

There are cases that need more than just mental health support; those that are the most vulnerable and that have suffered abuse. Along with therapists, they need legal representatives to find justice and hold those responsible accountable.

Here’s a deeper dive into this.

Seeking Justice and Accountability

Legal professionals can get justice for detained youth who have gone through abuse.

For example, a youth detention center sexual abuse lawyer can represent these young people and take legal action against those that are responsible. This legal process will hold the guilty party accountable, but it will also help with survivors’ healing because it will show them that they are heard and protected.

Creating Safe Spaces for Disclosure (to Speak Up)

Support also means creating an environment where people feel safe to talk about their experiences.

In 2020, a survey by the PREA Resource Center revealed that juvenile facilities across the U.S. that established confidential reporting systems, saw a 50% increase in abuse disclosures.

Legal representation is here to protect their rights so they can openly share their stories and start to heal.

Working Together for Recovery

Therapists and attorneys can join forces to support the people in juvenile detention centers. Therapy and legal representation can address trauma and also give directions on rights and options.

The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) is a Federal Law (established in 1974) that mandates that standards are being enforced for the treatment of juveniles in the U.S. justice system.

This approach makes rehabilitation much more effective and compassionate.

Conclusion

A youth detention center doesn’t hold just young offenders, but also stories of trauma, survival, and hope for change. It’s supposed to be a rehabilitation institution, so the key is to look past the offenders’ mistakes and focus on helping them heal and grow. This can’t happen without addressing mental health issues and for those who have gone through extreme trauma, competent legal representation.

We should all keep in mind that true rehabilitation isn’t serving time but giving people a way to take control of their future and make changes.

And such institutions, with their access to mental health treatments (therapy, support), can surely be life-changing.

Author’s Bio

Mark San Juan is a distinguished author and health care professional with a passion for transforming health care delivery through innovative approaches. With over two decades of experience in the field, Mark has established himself as a leading voice in health care reform and patient-centered care.

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