Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse | 2019
The Behavioral Health Needs of First-Time Offending Justice-Involved Youth: Substance Use, Sexual Risk, and Mental Health
Abstract
Abstract This study examines substance use, emotional/behavioral symptoms, and sexual risk among first-time offending, court-involved, non-incarcerated (FTO-CINI) youth. Youth and caregivers (n\u2009=\u2009423) completed tablet-based assessments. By the time of first justice contact (average 14.5-years-old), 49% used substances, 40% were sexually active and 33% reported both. Youth with co-occurring substance use and sexual risk had more emotional/behavioral symptoms; youth with delinquent offenses and females had greater co-occurring risk. Time of first offense is a critical period to intervene upon high rates of mental health need for those with co-occurring substance use and sexual risk to prevent poor health and legal outcomes.