What Are the Health Needs of Incarcerated Youth?

Discussion In the US during 2011, ~60,000 youth were incarcerated at some time in a correctional facility. Boys are detained more than girls (86% vs 14% respectively in the US, 95% male in the United Kingdom in 2014) but girls have more health issues. There are racial and ethnic differences with 38-40% of detainees being black, 23% being Hispanic/Latino and 32% being white, and 5% other. For detained youth, 5% are for violent crimes, 22% for non-violent property crimes and the majority of the rest are for non-violent offices such as substance use. The average length of detainment is 3-4 months and unfortunately the rates of recidivism are higher for youth than for adults; for youth, 75% are rearrested within 3 years. Detained youth have a higher risk of mortality at 4x the general population; girls have an 8x higher rate. A comprehensive view of their health care needs to be provided to the youth, upon their arrival, during detention, transitioning out of and after detention. For formerly detained youth, primary care physicians can help with continuing primary care including immunizations and screenings for sexual and mental health issues, determining if consultative care is needed and referring as necessary for pediatric specialty care, mental health or substance abuse treatment, working with local school districts to assist with educational/academic needs, working with social services to help with overall family needs, and providing information to the probation officers an...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news