Roundup: "Igniting Change in Juvenile Justice" Webinar and More

Juvenile Justice System and Adolescent Behavioral Health News

• Despite years of attention being drawn to the problem, mental health issues are still rife among teens in the juvenile justice system, according to a post from Center on Juvenile & Criminal Justice. What's more, a recent study in Pediatrics indicates that youth in juvenile detention may be four times more likely to die than youth in the general population, and this risk factor is higher for youth of color and for girls. 
• Juvenile courts and adult courts are struggling with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), which may afflict many of their clients. Individuals with FASD may appear able to understand the consequences of their actions, but cannot; awareness among juvenile court staff is recommended as a first step. Meanwhile, the American Academy of Pediatricians has recommended that all youth should be screened for alcohol beginning in middle school.
• A detailed update by Youth Today from Luzerne County, PA on the judges involved in the kids-for-cash scandal, and what the government plans to prove at trial. 
• It's About Time Department: economists and educators argue that policy makers need to start preparing alternatives for kids who aren't going to college.
• An interesting review of two books on a topic you don't see much about in young adult books: life in the juvenile justice system. 

 Resources

• Here's great resources to help family members become "wise consumers" of mental health services for teens and children, including summaries of commonly-prescribed evidence-based interventions. Plus, tips and resources for child welfare (and juvenile justice professionals). (Hat tip to Paul Savery.)
• Curious about how the courts handle teens with trauma? Check out this post that offers ideas about what juvenile courts should keep in mind about trauma and delinquency.
• Try using text messages to connect with teens on health issues: the National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth offers tips.
• Concerned about cultural competence? The National Quality Forum has a comprehensive framework and preferred practices for measuring and reporting cultural competency. An abridged version can be downloaded for free; the full version is paid-only. (Hat tip to Paul Savery.)
• Worried about cyber bullying? Want to talk to teens about how they spend their time online? Then check out "Net  Cetera: Chatting with Kids about Being Online" from OnGuard Online; you can also find many more resources for talking with kids and teens about using the internet and mobile phones. 
• Be sure to sign up for the e-newsletter from Building Partnerships for Youth, sponsored by the National 4-H Council and the University of Arizona - you'll find updates on prevention research, positive youth development, and more. (Another hat tip to Paul Savery.)
• Back in 2008, I listed a guide to evidence-based adolescent substance abuse programs from the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) as one of several such resources. Now, UNCG has created an addendum, focusing on family-based evidence-based practices for adolescent substance abuse treatment. (One more hat tip to Paul Savery.) 

Juvenile Justice System Webinar

• May 25, 2010 - "Igniting Change in Juvenile Justice" - Harvard Kennedy School’s Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy and the Government Innovators Network will conduct a 1-hour webinar at 12 pm PST / 3 pm EST, featuring Julie Wilson, Director, Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy; Bruce Kamradt, Director, Wraparound Milwaukee; and Tim Decker, Director, Division of Youth Services, Missouri Department of Social Services.

Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment - Online Courses

A few great, low-cost, five-week online courses are available thanks to the Addiction Technology Transfer Center of New England and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Though they are not adolescent-specific, they still look relevant:

• Dual Diagnosis Treatment: a MAP to Recovery, part 2. Click on the link to register. (Part 1 is not described as a prerequisite for part 2. However, the first part of the course will be offered again in August.)
• Motivational Interviewing: Providing Direction and Rolling with Resistance. Click on the link to register.