Justice-involved youth

Abstract The incarceration of minors occurs in both juvenile and adult correctional systems, depending on jurisdiction, age, and criminal charges. Holding adolescents responsible for behavior that sometimes leads to crimes ensures accountability and provides justice to victims. However, children are still developing, causing their flight, fight, or freeze (limbic) systems to be fully engaged before their judgment and wisdom systems (i.e., frontal lobes) are in place to mediate their behavior. Research over decades has shown that each child’s brain can develop at a different rate depending on various factors. Behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and social competencies are to be considered when assessing children in relation to their involvement in the justice system. Other relevant factors include gender, race, age, education, trauma, socioeconomic status, and culture. This chapter reviews the history and current evidence-based practices in the psychiatric management and treatment of justice-involved youth.