Are there treatment interventions that can effectively respond to the mental health needs of youth in the juvenile justice system?
Fortunately, over the last decade, a number of approaches have emerged to help the field better identify and respond to the mental health needs of youth. One of the most significant advances is the development of demonstrated effective interventions which are commonly referred to as Evidence-Based Practices: interventions that involve standardized treatment and that have been shown, through controlled research, to result in improved outcomes across multiple research groups. These interventions include improved psycho-social approaches, medication therapies, and family and community-based models that are well documented and proven effective for treating mental disorders among youth (Hoagwood, 2005). The Blueprint for Change includes a comprehensive discussion of some of the most effective interventions for youth.
