The Unmet Need for Mental Health Services Among Probationers' Children

Abstract

This study explores the unmet need for mental health services among children with parents on probation. A group of 77 probationers provided information on 170 children. Information about children's need for mental health services was based on the Child Behavior Checklist and information about children's receipt of mental health services was based on the Child and Adolescent Service Assessment. Approximately 1 in 4 participants had at least one child with an indicated need for mental health services, but 9 out of 10 participants with children needing services had a child who was not receiving services. This study suggests that probation departments could play an important role in linking probationers' children to mental health services.

KEYWORDS:

• probation
• parental incarceration
• mental health
• children
• services

Notes

^a Based on data from the 2000 Adult Probation Outcome Study (Adams et al., 2002).

^b Based on agency administrative records.

^a Other includes grandfathers (n=9), grandmothers (n = 6), aunts (n = 3), and uncles (n = 2).

^a Includes biological, step, and adoptive parents.

^b Other relatives include aunts and uncles.