1010CCJ_Module 9_Learning Video 3

Mental Health, Psychology, and the Criminal Justice System

  • Course Title: Youth, Mental Health & the Criminal Justice System (1010CCJ)

Youth Justice Services

Key Aspects

  • Diversion: Redirecting young offenders away from the criminal justice system (CJS).

  • Intervention: Providing support and services to address underlying issues.

  • Detention: Holding young individuals in custody if necessary.

  • Treatment: Addressing mental health needs and promoting rehabilitation.

Youth Justice Pathway

  • Contact with Police: Initial interaction that leads to the youth justice process.

  • Diversion: Options to avoid court involvement.

  • Court Appearance: Youth may appear before a judge.

  • Bail or Remand: Youth can be released on bail or held in custody.

  • Transition to Community: Support reintegration back into the community.

  • Detention: Incarceration as a last resort.

Aims of the Youth Justice System

  1. Intervene Early: Address issues before they escalate.

  2. Keep Young People Out of Court and Custody: Reduce formal processing of youth offenders.

  3. Keep Community Safe: Ensure public safety while addressing youth behavior.

  4. Hold Young People Accountable: Encourage responsibility for actions.

  5. Reduce Re-offending: Focus on treatment and rehabilitation to prevent future offenses.

Ideal Diversionary Pathway for Young People

  • Collaboration: Involves multiple stakeholders in decision-making.

  • Identification: Recognizing at-risk youth and their specific needs.

  • Diversion: Redirecting youth to appropriate services.

  • Treatment: Providing necessary support such as mental health care.

Balancing Youth Needs and Community Safety

  • Evaluation of methods to meet the needs of offenders while ensuring public safety.

Detention vs. Community-Based Alternatives

  • Detention Consequences: Incarceration can lead to increased harm and recidivism.

  • Effectiveness of Community-Based Alternatives: Research indicates they are more successful in reducing re-offending rates.

Competing Views on Youth Justice System Operations

  • Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) Model: Addresses risk levels, needs, and responsiveness in treatment.

  • Trauma-Informed Practice: Focuses on understanding trauma and its impact on youth.

Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) Model

Components

  • Risk: Assessment of likelihood to re-offend; programs should be matched to this risk.

  • Need: Addressing dynamic risk factors directly related to offending.

  • Responsivity: Tailoring interventions to meet individual capabilities and motivations.

Central 8 Criminogenic Needs

  • History of antisocial behavior

  • Antisocial personality traits

  • Antisocial attitudes and values

  • Association with antisocial peers

  • Substance abuse issues

  • Dysfunctional family relationships

  • Education and employment challenges

  • Leisure activities contributing to criminal behavior.

Trauma-Informed Practice

  • Victims of Circumstance: Acknowledges youth may face significant adversities.

  • Focus on Non-Criminogenic Needs: Addresses mental health, trauma, and physical health.

  • Good Lives Model: A holistic approach prioritizing rehabilitation and personal agency, enhancing social relationships and pleasure in life.

Integrated System of Care

  • Approach: Family and community based, incorporating support from various environments.

  • Community

  • School/Peers

  • Family

  • The Young Person

Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST)

  • Definition: Intensive family-based approach aligning treatment with delinquency causes.

  • Effectiveness: Meta-analysis shows MST reduces problem behaviors by 15% and improves mental health symptoms by 15%.

Conclusion of Part 3

  • Thank You for Listening!