Psychiatric Consultation With a Police Youth-Aid Unit

Police officers in a special unit designed to aid troubled children and adolescents requested mental health consultation after a series of frustrations in their attempts to refer cases to psychiatric agencies. The officers initially sought guidelines to help them determine which clients needed further care and select appropriate agencies for referral. As the meetings progressed it became apparent that what they needed most was help with their interviewing techniques. The authors describe the consultation sessions, some of the cases dealt with, and the major areas on which consultation focused. They emphasize the importance of flexibility in the consultative process so the needs of consultees will not be overlooked.