TY - JOUR
T1 - Mental health provision for young offenders: Service use and cost
AU - Barrett, Barbara
AU - Byford, Sarah
AU - Chitsabesan, Prathiba
AU - Kenning, Cassandra
PY - 2006/6
Y1 - 2006/6
N2 - Background: The full costs of accommodating and supporting young people in the criminal justice system are unknown. There is also concern about the level of mental health needs among young offenders and the provision of appropriate mental health services. Aims: To estimate the full cost of supporting young people in the criminal justice system in England and Wales and to examine the relationship between needs, service use and cost. Method: Cross-sectional survey of 301 young offenders, 151 in custody and 150 in the community, conducted in six geographically representative areas of England and Wales. Results: Mental health service use was low despite high levels of need, particularly in the community. Monthly costs were significantly higher among young people interviewed in secure facilities than in the community (£4645 v. £1863; P <0.001). Younger age and a depressed mood were associated with greater costs. Conclusions: Young people in the criminal justice system are a significant financial burden not only on that system but also on social services, health and education. The relationship between cost and depressed mood indicates a role for mental health services in supporting young offenders, particularly those in the community.
AB - Background: The full costs of accommodating and supporting young people in the criminal justice system are unknown. There is also concern about the level of mental health needs among young offenders and the provision of appropriate mental health services. Aims: To estimate the full cost of supporting young people in the criminal justice system in England and Wales and to examine the relationship between needs, service use and cost. Method: Cross-sectional survey of 301 young offenders, 151 in custody and 150 in the community, conducted in six geographically representative areas of England and Wales. Results: Mental health service use was low despite high levels of need, particularly in the community. Monthly costs were significantly higher among young people interviewed in secure facilities than in the community (£4645 v. £1863; P <0.001). Younger age and a depressed mood were associated with greater costs. Conclusions: Young people in the criminal justice system are a significant financial burden not only on that system but also on social services, health and education. The relationship between cost and depressed mood indicates a role for mental health services in supporting young offenders, particularly those in the community.
U2 - 10.1192/bjp.bp.105.010108
DO - 10.1192/bjp.bp.105.010108
M3 - Article
C2 - 16738344
SN - 0007-1250
VL - 188
SP - 541
EP - 546
JO - British Journal of Psychiatry
JF - British Journal of Psychiatry
ER -