Journal of Adolescence, 25(6), December 2002, pp.681-689.
Publisher:
Academic Press
It is known that "looked after" children in the community have very high rates of psychiatric disorder. This pilot study aimed to establish the psychiatric morbidity in children remanded to prison custody. The boys interviewed showed high rates of affective disorders, substance misuse and conduct disorder. As hypothesized those who had been "looked after" had significantly higher rates. This study highlights the need to develop child and adolescent mental health services for children in prison.
It is known that "looked after" children in the community have very high rates of psychiatric disorder. This pilot study aimed to establish the psychiatric morbidity in children remanded to prison custody. The boys interviewed showed high rates of affective disorders, substance misuse and conduct disorder. As hypothesized those who had been "looked after" had significantly higher rates. This study highlights the need to develop child and adolescent mental health services for children in prison.
Subject terms:
looked after children, mental health problems, mental health services, mentally disordered offenders, prisons, remand, social care provision, young offenders, young people, adolescence, child and adolescent mental health services, children, custodial institutions, emotional abuse;