Adolescents in Custody: Implications for Suicide Prevention

RECENTLY WE PUBLISHED THE FINDINGS OF A STUDY OF THE MENTAL HEALTH of young people in custody in Adelaide (Kosky et al. 1990). The survey was not remarkable for its science, but it was unique in two respects. Firstly, we were able to use comparative data on measures of symptoms reported by normal schoolchildren in Adelaide and also by non-offending youngsters who had been referred for psychiatric help at the Children's Hospital, both groups being of similar age to those who we surveyed in the remand centre. Secondly, it was unusual for social or behavioural science researchers to have access to remanded youth. Mostly, studies have been limited to offenders who were referred for presentence psychiatric or psychological reports, a relatively select few. It seems that this study is among the first psychiatric survey of youth in custody.