Criminal and Juvenile Justice

Juvenile Justice System

Youth with AD/HD can come into contact with the juvenile justice system when he/she violates the law or as a result of a status offense, such as running away from home (Rouse, 2002).

When dealing with the juvenile justice system, it is important that all parties involved -- law enforcement officers, judges, detention facility staff, and others -- are aware of the youth's disability as well as any current treatment that the youth is receiving.

It is also important that parents and guardians know that even though a youth is involved with the juvenile justice system, the youth is still entitled to a free and appropriate public education.

Criminal Justice System

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, approximately 16 percent of the population in prison or jail has a mental illness.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, corrections facilities must provide screening, evaluation, and treatment for individuals with mental disabilities.

Also of significant importance is the transition from incarceration to community life, and reducing the chances of the individual with AD/HD from re-entering the criminal justice system.

Many efforts are being made to improve the interaction between individuals with mental disorders and the criminal justice system:

• jail diversion programs, such as mental health and drug courts
• educating judges, police officers, correction facility staff, and others
• helping recently released inmates access housing, mental health services, and public benefits 

References

Rouse, G. (2002, December). AD/HD and the Juvenile Justice System. Attention!, 27-32.

Other Web Sites:

• National Center on Education, Disability and Juvenile Justice
  EDJJ provides information regarding the role of the family when a youth is involved in the juvenile justice system.
• Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
  The Bazelon Center provides information and resources related to mental health and the criminal justice system.
• National Council on Disability
  NCD issued a report assessing the state of evidence-based research in the field of youth with disabilities in the juvenile justice system.
• Criminal Justice/Mental Health Consensus Project
  The Criminal Justice/Mental Health Consensus Project is a national initiative to improve the criminal justice system's response to people with mental illness.
• National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice
  The National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice provides information on navigating the system and on evidence-based practices.
• Directory of Youth-Related State Resources
  The OJJDP offers a directory of state resources, including juvenile justice specialists, courts, and others.
• Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
  The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, part of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), provides a searchable list programs and resources.