Nedra H. Francis
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Title of QTUG presentation:
Evaluating Suicide Risk Assessment in a Juvenile Detention Center
List of Author and co-authors for QTUG presentation: Nedra H. Francis and Floyd T. Henderson
Abstract:
Research indicates a higher prevalence of mental, emotional and behavioral problems, including suicidal behavior, occurring in the juvenile justice system compared to the general population ( Domalanta, Riser, Roberts & Riser, 2003; Teplin, Abram, McClelland, Dlcan & Mericle, 2002 as cited in Penn, Esposito, Stein, Lacher-Katz, & Spirito, 2005). Archival data was reviewed on youth detained in a juvenile detention center. All youth were assessed with the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument – Version 2 (MAYSI-2) (Grisso, Vincent & Seagrave, 2005). The MAYSI-2 is a brief, self-report tool designed to identify youth who are experiencing “thoughts, feelings or behaviors that may be indicative of mental disorders and/or acute emotional crises requiring immediate attention” (Grissom et. al., 2005, p. 99). In addition to the Maysi -2, the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), a self report measure that assesses child and adolescent symptoms of depression (Craighead, Curry, & Ilardi, 1995), is also administered. Data included 203 youth, 56% male, 44% female, ages ranging from 10 to 18. Ethnicity included primarily African American, Hispanic and White. African Americans and Whites appeared to exhibit emotional difficulties with suicide ideation. Accurate assessment of mental health concerns is instrumental in identifying at risk youth (Butler, Loney, & Kistner, 2007).