In architecture, a blueprint is the foundation for a successful, sound and safe structure. In corrections, a newly released blue print could mean successful care and a strong foundation for juveniles suffering from mental health disorders.

According to Dr. Joseph Cocozza, director of the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice at Policy Research Associates, this particular blueprint was long overdue.

“We're suggesting that about 70 percent of the juvenile justice system meet the criteria for having a mental health disorder. Probably about 25 percent of those have very serious issues,” Cocozza explains. “We've known for a long time that we needed to address this particular population. The new question we're addressing now is: What do we do?”

In the report brief, A Blueprint for Change: Improving the System Response to Youth with Mental Health Needs Involved with the Juvenile Justice System, Cocozza and co-author Kathleen Skowyra set the stage to help juveniles struggling with mental heath disorders.

“The problem across the board is that historically we've had an effective program in California, or some good progress has been made in New Jersey, for example, but we've never had a comprehensive document that overlaps all aspects of law enforcement, corrections, and probation and parole that crosses state lines. With the blueprint, we have tried to overview the whole system,” Cocozza adds.

In conjunction with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency, the report calls for ‘greater recognition of the juvenile justice and mental health systems', as well as offering best practice tips for professionals in the field.

After years of research, site visits and advisory board meetings, Blueprint for Change is an easy-to-read, comprehensive snapshot of the best way to improve juvenile services. One area focused on improved screening.

“We need to assess these kids to know what kinds of problems they have. There are some kids that need to be diverted from the juvenile justice system. Some of them need mental health help. And when we divert a juvenile from the system, we must make sure they are directed towards resources in the community that can help them,” he recommends.

But the report stands out because it does more than make suggestions. For each recommendation, Cocozza and company make sure to provide a concrete example of a program already in place so juvenile justice systems can follow in the footsteps of success. 

“The blueprint doesn't just provide information. It provides direction,” says Cocozza. “When you go out and talk about the importance of this issue, people usually respond by saying ‘That's interesting but I'm not sure anyone can really do that'. With the blueprint, we're able to say ‘They are doing it in Texas' and give a name and contact information so they can make that connection across state lines.”

The report also suggests more family involvement in the success of juveniles, addressing co-occurring disorders, and providing mental health services that respond to “issues of gender, ethnicity, race, age, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and faith.”

“It's a very practical, easy, straightforward approach to some core elements to move forward in terms of helping these children,” he adds. “The document isn't the only important part however; it's just paper. What is important is to put it into action, to go out into the field and work these suggestions into every day life.

As the NCMHJJ and ODJJP prepare to release the full-length research behind their report, Cocozza hopes that the juvenile justice system will take action and make changes for the better.

“Our next step is securing funding to provide assistance across the country to interested parties,” he says. “We're very excited about this and we hope to see the blueprint in the hands of juvenile justice professionals across the country.”

Bottom Line: Further research and recommendations in the coming months, should offer juvenile justice professionals a chance to use more strategies  to help better serve youngsters in the criminal justice system.