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. 2009 Jan;14(1):15-8.
doi: 10.1093/pch/14.1.15.

Problems with access to adolescent mental health care can lead to dealings with the criminal justice system

Stanley Kutcher  1 , Ainslie McDougall
Affiliations

Problems with access to adolescent mental health care can lead to dealings with the criminal justice system

Stanley Kutcher et al. Paediatr Child Health. 2009 Jan.

Abstract
in English, French

Mental disorders collectively constitute the largest burden of disease in young people. They have substantial negative short- and long-term outcomes across many domains, yet early identification and effective intervention can improve outcomes and can often lead to recovery. Unfortunately, many young people do not receive the mental health care they require and may consequently enter the justice system. Studies of incarcerated youths show that up to 70% of them have mental disorders. Many of these youth receive primarily custodial care. A variety of social, legal and medical interventions can and should be implemented to ensure that young people suffering from mental disorders do not inappropriately enter the justice system due to lack of access to health care and other services.

Les troubles de santé mentale constituent collectivement le principal fardeau de maladie chez les jeunes. Ils ont des issues négatives importantes tant à court terme qu’à long terme dans de nombreux domaines, mais un dépistage précoce et une intervention efficace peuvent améliorer les issues et souvent favoriser un rétablissement. Malheureusement, de nombreux jeunes ne reçoivent pas les soins de santé mentale dont ils ont besoin et, par conséquent, ils peuvent avoir des démêlés avec le système de justice. Des études auprès de jeunes en détention révèlent que jusqu’à 70 % d’entre eux ont un trouble de santé mentale. Bon nombre de ces jeunes reçoivent surtout des soins en milieu surveillé. Il est possible de mettre en œuvre diverses interventions sociales, juridiques et médicales et il faut le faire pour s’assurer que les jeunes atteints d’un trouble de santé mentale n’intègrent pas le système de justice sans raison à cause d’un manque d’accès aux soins de santé et à d’autres services.

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