The classification system should assist in identifying security risks, the physically and mentally ill, those requiring protective custody, those who may become victims of assertive and assaultive inmates and those eligible for and suited to facility programs. All medical, mental health, dental and related services provided to adult inmates in accordance with the adult standards are also available to minors. This provides a full range of health care services to detained minors, and would generally cover any medical or related health care needs. Necessary health services for minors, especially those 14 and 15 years of age, may differ somewhat from those for adults. If a minor appears to be in need of any health care services, or complains of not feeling well, or specifically requests such services, the facility must have the ability and resources to respond in a timely manner.
Minors tend to be more prone to suicide than adults.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youths. It is generally held that such acts occur out of feelings of isolation, humiliation, parental deprivation, depression and lack of self worth. These feelings are much more likely to be prevalent among youth held in detention facilities and may accompany or be masked by negative or hostile attitudes and behavior, sometimes of violent proportion. Suicide usually occurs when the minor is alone either early in the detention experience or after some significant event such as sentencing or a visit from family. It tends to happen at night or at other times when supervision is minimal, and it is more likely to occur in a detention as opposed to a treatment facility.