Mental Health/Juvenile Justice Action Network
Working together to improve services and policies for youth with mental health needs involved with the juvenile justice system
Recent research shows that 70 percent of youth in the juvenile justice system meet the criteria for at least one mental health disorder such as major depression, bipolar disorder or anxiety conditions. Many of these youth land in the juvenile justice system because their conditions are unrecognized, community services aren’t available, or systems aren’t coordinating effectively to put the right support in place. Learn more
Network goals and structure
The mental health/juvenile justice network was established in 2007 to forge and implement innovative solutions for better identifying and treating youth with mental health needs in the juvenile justice system. The network is an issue-focused forum for the development and exchange of ideas and strategies across states, and for sharing practical information and expertise in support of reform. Ultimately, the action network is working to create a leadership community that will guide other states and shape nationwide responses. Learn more
Strategic innovations
Teams from each of the action network states collaborate on one of two “strategic innovation” areas: 1) front-end diversion or improving ways to identify youth with mental health needs and divert them into treatment as early in the process as possible, to avoid unnecessary system involvement, and 2) education and training or enhancing community education and training to recruit and retain staff better equipped to work with the large numbers of youth with mental health needs involved with the juvenile justice system. Learn more
Sites and local partners
In addition to the four core Models for Change states, the Mental Health and Juvenile Justice Action Network includes four other states selected for their commitment to reform. The eight mental health/juvenile justice action network sites are: Connecticut, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas and Washington. Learn more
Work highlights
For information on network activities and progress visit our work highlights page.
For more information
The Mental Health/Juvenile Justice Action Network is coordinated by the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice (NCMHJJ) at Policy Research Associates. The NCMHJJ is a National Resource Bank member and is assisting Models for Change states with their efforts to better address the mental health needs of youth involved with the juvenile justice system.
For additional information about the Mental Health/Juvenile Justice Action Network view the FAQ or contact the NCMHJJ at ncmhjj@prainc.com