title: A theoretical evaluation of a youth mental health court program model.
abstract: Mental health courts are a promising new approach to addressing the overrepresentation of mental health needs among offender populations, yet little is known about how they facilitate change, particularly for youth. The current study reports on a process evaluation of a youth mental health court in Toronto, Canada. Drawing upon observations of the court and interviews with key informants, we developed a program model of the court and explored its implementation within the context of empirical evidence for treating justice-involved youth. Findings revealed that the proposed mechanism of change, which focuses on reducing recidivism through the treatment of mental health needs, should also consider factors directly related to offending behavior. Findings further highlight several strengths of the program, including the program's supportive environment and ability to engage and link youth and families with treatment. Areas for continued growth include the need for comprehensive protections of legal rights.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto M3J 1P3, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: krista16@yorku.ca.
authors.forename: Krista M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, OISE, University of Toronto, 252 Bloor Street West, Toronto M5S 1V6, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: m.petersonbadali@utoronto.ca.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Peterson-Badali
authors.affiliation: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 80 Workman Way, Toronto, Ontario M6J 1H4, Canada. Electronic address: tracey.skilling@camh.ca.
authors.forename: Tracey A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Skilling
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D057237:Criminals / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009864:Ontario; D015397:Program Evaluation; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012926:Social Control, Formal
keywords: Justice; Mental health court; Rehabilitation; Youth