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Commentary: The Role of Mental Health Services in Preadjudicated Juvenile Detention Centers

Mr. Migdole is Chief Operating Officer, Yale Behavioral Health, Hamden, CT, and Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Ms. Robbins is Director of the Juvenile Detention Mental Health Program (JDMHP), Yale Behavioral Health, Hamden, CT, and Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Address correspondence to: Scott Migdole, LCSW, Yale Behavioral Health, 95 Circular Avenue, Hamden, CT 06514. E-mail: scott.migdole{at}yale.edu

The role of preadjudicated juvenile detention centers (JDCs) in treating children and adolescents with mental health needs has continued to receive national attention. Legal actions mandating improved health care services over the past decade, coupled with a national focus on detainees' mental health needs, have led to the increased presence of mental health professionals in JDCs. In this context, we must build on the current "call to action" and develop innovative blueprints for the provision of mental health services for detained youth. Although operationalizing this movement is complicated, we must be prepared to sustain its effects by developing effective communication and planning among correctional health care organizations, universities, municipalities, and other stakeholders.