CHILDREN IN THE CRIMINAL-JUSTICE AND THEIR MENTAL-HEALTH NEEDS ARE MET

A study was made of the perceptions among relevant service providers o f the mental health needs of young people considered for secure placem ent. Information was obtained in 1996 from 75% of departments of child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, social services child ren's services, youth justice, probation, secure units and young offen der institutions in England and Wales. The findings confirm that highl y disturbed young people, who may be a danger to themselves and others , may present to a wide range of services, and that their mental healt h needs are neither well recognized, widely understood, nor adequately met. Availability of appropriate levels and types of expertise and re source is patchy and strictly limited, within secure settings and in l ocal community services across all agencies. (C) 1998 The Association for Professionals in Services for Adolescents.