| Abstract: |
Juvenile detention facilities across the globe house a disproportionately high number of adolescents with diagnosable mental health disorders, yet the provision of adequate psychiatric services remains critically insufficient. The primary objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of mental health disorders among detained youth and identify the systemic service gaps that perpetuate unmet treatment needs. A descriptive-analytical research design was employed, utilizing secondary data synthesis from large-scale epidemiological studies, meta-analyses, and national survey databases published between 2008 and 2025. The hypothesis posited that detained youth exhibit significantly higher rates of psychiatric morbidity compared to the general adolescent population, and that fewer than 20% of those requiring mental health services actually receive them. Results confirmed that approximately 65–70% of detained youth meet criteria for at least one diagnosable mental health disorder, with conduct disorder, major depression, ADHD, and PTSD being the most prevalent conditions. Gender and racial disparities were prominent, with female detainees showing higher rates of depression and PTSD, and Black and male youth being least likely to receive needed services. The discussion highlights that structural barriers, including inadequate staffing, insurance gaps, fragmented referral systems, and stigma, collectively sustain these service deficits. The study concludes that without integrated, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive mental health frameworks embedded within juvenile justice systems, the cycle of untreated psychiatric illness, recidivism, and long-term psychosocial dysfunction will persist. |
