Over 95 percent of the youth who were sampled agreed to participate in the study. They are now conducting periodic follow-up interviews with all study participants, whether they are in the community or incarcerated. County and state correctional facilities have agreed to provide access to those who are in jail or prison, and all official records will be made available. We must know more about the alcohol, drug and mental health treatment needs of youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Teplin noted that already 23 of the subjects in the study have died, almost all from gunshot wounds.
All delinquent children are at high risk for violent victimization, even death.
The Justice Department currently estimates that annually there are over 2.8 million arrests of children younger than 18. Researchers estimate that as many as 75 percent of these youth may suffer from alcohol, drug and mental disorders and require services. Once released, these youth may receive services from a variety of systems mental health, child welfare, schools and the justice system. The Northwestern study is the first to provide accurate data on the services these children require and how well the systems are serving them. The new grant was spearheaded by the National Institute of Mental Health.