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Suicide and Related-Behavior Among Youth Involved in the Juvenile Justice System

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Abstract

Youth in the juvenile justice system are at significant risk for suicidal thoughts, behaviors and deaths. Approximately 70 % of youth in the juvenile justice system have at least one mental health diagnosis which increases their risk for suicide. Over the past 20 years, the juvenile justice system has made extensive efforts to identify and address the mental health needs of these youth. This paper reviews risk factors for suicidal behavior, describes the current approaches and recommendations for programs (i.e., mental health and suicide screening and risk assessment) and policies throughout the juvenile justice system to reduce the risk for suicide and related-behavior among youth.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Monmouth University, 400 Cedar Ave, West Long Branch, NJ, 07764, USA

    Michelle Scott

  2. Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, Freehold, NJ, USA

    Michelle Scott & Maureen Underwood

  3. Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Dorian A. Lamis

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  1. Michelle Scott
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  2. Maureen Underwood
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  3. Dorian A. Lamis
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Correspondence to Michelle Scott.

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Scott, M., Underwood, M. & Lamis, D.A. Suicide and Related-Behavior Among Youth Involved in the Juvenile Justice System. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 32, 517–527 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-015-0390-8

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