The British Journal of Psychiatry (2006) 188: 534-540. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.105.010116
© 2006 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Mental health needs of young offenders in custody and in the community

PRATHIBA CHITSABESAN, MRCPsych

University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Manchester

LEO KROLL, MRCPsych

Central Manchester and Manchester Children’s University Hospital, Manchester

SUE BAILEY, FRCPsych

University of Central Lancashire, Preston

CASSANDRA KENNING, MSc and STEPHANIE SNEIDER, MSc

University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Manchester

WENDY MacDONALD, PhD

University Department of Primary Mental Health, Manchester

LOUISE THEODOSIOU, MRCPsych

Central Manchester and Manchester Children’s University Hospitals, Manchester, UK

Correspondence: Dr P. Chitsabesan, Research Room, Gardner Unit, Bolton, Trafford and Salford Mental Health Trust, Bury New Road, Manchester M25 3BL, UK. Tel: +44 (0)161 773 9121; e-mail: pchitsabesan{at}yahoo.com

Declaration of interest None.

Background Research has revealed high levels of mental health needs in young offenders but many studies have been small, focusing on specific populations.

Aims To evaluate the mental health and psychosocial needs of a nationally representative sample of juvenile offenders in England and Wales, including female offenders and those from Black and minority ethnic groups.

Method A cross-sectional survey of 301 young offenders, 151 in custody and 150 in the community, was conducted in six geographically representative areas across England and Wales. Each young person was interviewed to obtain demographic information, mental health and social needs, and psychometric data.

Results Young offenders were found to have high levels of needs in a number of different areas including mental health (31%), education/work (36%) and social relationships (48%). Young offenders in the community had significantly more needs than those in secure care and needs were often unmet. One in five young offenders was also identified as having a learning disability (IQ<70).

Conclusions Needs for young offenders were high but often unmet. This emphasises the importance of structured needs assessment within custody and community settings in conjunction with a care programme approach that improves continuity of care.


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