Ensuring Delinquent Youths Receive Adequate Services

Ensuring Delinquent Youths Receive Adequate Services When In Detention

Ensuring delinquent youths receive adequate services when in detention is a crucial step in preventing recidivism. Examples of such services are education, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health treatment. While the treatment of a single disorder, such as alcohol dependence, is fairly straightforward, the treatment of co-occurring disorders is more complex and poses special challenges. The term "co-occurring disorders" refers to the presence of two or more disorders at the same time. A co-occurring disorder typically consists of a substance abuse issue and a mental health issue, but other combinations exist.

Tasks: For this assignment, research co-occurring disorders, especially as they relate to youth in detention facilities, and present your findings in a 3-page paper (excluding reference and cover page). In particular, note which disorders are most commonly present at the same time. In your paper, include answers to the following questions: What special problems do co-occurring disorders present to detention facility officials? Are co-occurring disorders classified in any particular way? Explain. What types of treatment methods are used to treat co-occurring disorders? What is the general prognosis for youth diagnosed with co-occurring disorders?

Paper For Above instruction

The integration and understanding of co-occurring disorders among youth in detention facilities are vital for developing effective intervention strategies and improving outcomes for juvenile offenders. Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnoses, refer to the simultaneous presence of mental health issues and substance use disorders in an individual (Drake et al., 2004). Addressing these intertwined issues is complex but essential in the juvenile justice system to reduce recidivism and promote healthier development among detained youths.

Research indicates that among detained youth, certain combinations of mental health and substance use disorders are more prevalent. The most common co-occurring disorders identified in juvenile detention populations include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) combined with substance use disorder (SUD), conduct disorder paired with alcohol or drug dependence, and depression co-occurring with substance abuse (Wolff et al., 2016). These combinations are particularly concerning due to their association with increased behavioral problems, risk-taking behaviors, and difficulties in treatment compliance.

Detention facility officials face several challenges when managing youth with co-occurring disorders. One major problem is the difficulty in accurately diagnosing each disorder, especially considering the overlapping symptoms such as impulsivity and emotional instability. Furthermore, many youths in detention may have unreported or undiagnosed disorders, complicating treatment planning (Green et al., 2014). The complex presentation of co-occurring disorders often requires multidisciplinary approaches, and facility staff may lack specialized training in dual diagnosis management.

Co-occurring disorders are classified in various ways within mental health and addiction frameworks. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), recognizes the complexity of dual diagnoses, though it does not provide a specific classification system for co-occurring disorders. Instead, conditions are diagnosed independently and then considered together for comprehensive treatment planning. Some classifications use a “concurrent” or “integrated” approach, emphasizing the importance of treating both disorders simultaneously rather than sequentially (Johnson & Farkas, 2015).

Various treatment methods are employed for youths with co-occurring disorders. Evidence-based practices include integrated treatment models, which address both mental health and substance use issues concurrently. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and family therapy are commonly used modalities. Integrated programs often involve pharmacotherapy, particularly for mood disorders or psychosis, alongside psychosocial interventions. The use of tailored interventions in juvenile detention settings is essential, given the developmental needs and unique circumstances of youth (Knight et al., 2017).

The prognosis for youth with co-occurring disorders varies significantly depending on factors such as the severity of the disorders, the timeliness of intervention, and the quality of treatment received. Early and sustained intervention correlates with better outcomes, including reduced symptoms and improved social functioning (Kelleher et al., 2018). However, youth with untreated co-occurring disorders are at a higher risk of continued criminal behavior, substance dependence in adulthood, and mental health deterioration. Thus, effective treatment programs in detention can substantially alter their developmental trajectories and reduce recidivism.

References

• Drake, R. E., Mueser, K. T., Brunette, M. F., & McHugo, G. J. (2004). A review of treatments for people with co-occurring severe mental and substance use disorders. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 27(4), 360–374.
• Green, A., Scherz, K., & Smith, R. (2014). Challenges in diagnosing co-occurring disorders in juvenile detention. Journal of Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse, 23(2), 110–125.
• Johnson, S., & Farkas, A. (2015). Classifying co-occurring disorders: An approach to dual diagnosis. International Journal of Mental Health, 44(3), 220–234.
• Kelleher, K., Donohue, B., & Scholl, J. (2018). Treatment outcomes for youth with co-occurring disorders: A review. Journal of Adolescent Health, 62(3), 265–272.
• Knight, K., Hester, R., & Romano, A. (2017). Evidence-based practices for treating co-occurring disorders in juvenile detention settings. Journal of Correctional Health Care, 23(4), 361–372.
• Wolff, N., McElreath, D., & Rose, D. (2016). Mental health and substance use in juvenile detention populations. Youth & Society, 48(2), 200–223.