Full access
Letters to the Editor
Published Online: 1 October 2004

Juvenile Offenders

Babatunde Adetunji, M.D.Authors Info & Affiliations
Publication: Psychiatric News
Volume 39, Number 19
https://doi.org/10.1176/pn.39.19.0390037a
Track CitationsAdd to favorites
Thank you for featuring the plight of juvenile offenders in the August 20 article on the findings of a congressional report. I believe that it is not enough for Congress to only learn about the warehousing of these youngsters—they should do something about it.
When youths with conduct disorder are locked up and youths with depression are incarcerated alone despite a high risk of suicide, Congress should know that it is time for action. By using detention centers as “psychiatric waiting rooms,” we run the risk of making young offenders who could still be positively rehabilitated develop a deviant self-image and a sustained criminal career.
I believe we should look to the United Kingdom for the answer. There, the government provided increased funding to set up an effective court diversion system and satellite juvenile mental health facilities. Such diversion programs serve as “gatekeepers” to the court system and provide the opportunity to discontinue criminal proceedings and institute treatment for those found mentally ill.
With increased funding, states can create multiple satellite youth treatment centers that could offer basic mental health services such as counseling, vocational training, and behavior modification strategies. When youth offenders are handled in this way, it avoids the contagious sociopathic effect of staying too long in detention centers and facilitates rehabilitation. I believe this would benefit the society at large.

Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Go to Psychiatric News
Psychiatric News
Volume 39 • Number 19 • October 1, 2004
Pages: 37

History

Published online: 1 October 2004
Published in print: October 1, 2004

Authors

Details

Babatunde Adetunji, M.D.
Philadelphia, Pa.
View all articles by this author

Metrics & Citations

Metrics

Citations

Export Citations

If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.

For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu.

Format
Citation style
Style
Copy to clipboard
Tips for downloading citations

View Options

View options

Login options

Already a subscriber? Access your subscription through your login credentials or your institution for full access to this article.

Personal login Institutional Login Open Athens login

Not a subscriber?

Subscribe Now / Learn More

PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5-TR® library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.

Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).

Media

Figures

Other

Tables

Share

Share

Share article link

Share

×

As described within the American Psychiatric Association (APA)'s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences. Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.