PSA: Mental Health in the Juvenile Justice System
Storyboard Text
- Hey Emily what's wrong?
- I just found out that within the juvenile justice system there is as many as 70% that have a diagnosable mental health problem.
- What!? That's crazy. What is being done to help these kids other than jail time?
- Well I actually just found about this great program that just got approved called the Juvenile Justice and Mental Health Collaboration. They are trying to implement a cross-system collaboration to improve responses and outcome for youth with mental illness.
- They will focus on the courts, specialized training to officers and employees at juvenile justice agencies in order to better respond to these individuals.
- That is awesome! What are some ways we can help make sure this program stays implemented?
- Not to mention, this gives juveniles individualized, validated and needs-based assessments to determine, plan and coordinate the services they need.
- This would change the recidivism rate of teens and could turn their life around for the better.
- I can do that! I can easily send letters to the Department of Justice. I'll tell my friends too!
- Well this program was only approved for three years. We have to hold our government accountable and pay attention to the issue.
- Didn't he get arrested while having a manic episode because he has bipolar disorder?
- Hey, do you remember how Brock's court date is today?
- Yes. Maybe we can go to his trial and see if he is getting the proper treatment and this program is working and support him as well.
- Let's go!
- Great! He is a mental health court rather than regular juvenile court because of the program.
- Brock, in this court we are here to help you.Our mental health court team has developed a case plan. We have a list of requirements for you to complete and all you have to do is "graduate" from this court.
- Adhering to the treatment plan, achieving a set amount of goals, complying with supervision are requirements of your graduation from this court.
- Yes!
- Thank you so much Judge Ali. This will help me immensely.
- TWO MONTHS LATER
- Hey Brock! How have you been!?
- Yay Brock! We are so proud of you and so thankful for the JMHCP!
- Ever since that day in court I have been staying out of trouble and have never mentally felt better! I even just left my therapists appointment.
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