Abstract

Despite the growing number of youths with mental health needs entering the juvenile justice system, few studies have been conducted on direct care workers’ (DCW) perceptions of youth with mental health issues. This study examined the perceptions of DCW at an all-male juvenile residential treatment facility for at-risk youth. Specifically, the study used both quantitative and qualitative techniques to survey DCW on their perceptions of youth with and without mental health issues, as well as their work with both populations. The findings suggest that DCW perceive youth with mental health issues less favorably than youth without mental health issues. They also report their work performance to be less effective with youth mental health issues compared to their work with youth without mental health issues. DCW further suggest more resources and training for work with youth who have severe mental health issues, to properly address their needs.

摘要

尽管越来越多有心理健康需求的青少年进入少年司法系统，但很少有人研究直接护理人员 (DCW) 对有心理健康问题的青少年的看法。这项研究调查了 DCW 在一个全是男性的高危青少年住院治疗机构中的看法。具体而言，该研究使用定量和定性技术来调查 DCW 对有和没有心理健康问题的青年的看法，以及他们与这两种人群的工作。研究结果表明，DCW 认为有心理健康问题的青年不如没有心理健康问题的青年。他们还报告说，与没有心理健康问题的青少年相比，他们在解决青少年心理健康问题方面的工作表现更差。