The Correctional Officer’s Role in Mental Health Treatment of Youthful Offenders

Abstract

This paper explores issues specific to the provision of effective mental health treatment for juvenile offenders within juvenile justice departments. A multifaceted treatment approach in this setting should include security officers as well as the customary mental health and medical professionals. Confidentiality issues direct correctional policies that require medical, mental health, and security records to remain separate. Such limitations in the exchange of information reduce the likelihood that correctional officers would be considered as part of the treatment team. With the high inmate to professional staff ratio and the growing attention to outcomes, (his approach needs to be considered.