A report by the UC Irvine Center for Evidence-Based Corrections notes the decreasing treatment resources available to at-risk youth has caused the juvenile justice system to become a "surrogate for mental health treatment." This report looks at the changes in "juvenile offenders' mental health symptoms over longer periods of secure confinement..." Highlights from the study are as follows:

• Self-reported mental health symptoms were highest at arrival to the institution.
• Patterns of mental health adjustment were variable.
• Symptoms of substance abuse appeared to increase starting at the third week of incarceration.
• In the domains of anger/irritability, substance abuse and somatic complaints, about 20% of youth exhibited chronically high levels of symptoms.
• 46% of youth reported having engaged in violent behaviors in the institution.
• Youth high in symptoms of anger/irritability or substance abuse were more likely than other youth to engage in violent behaviors within the facility.

As transition to secure confinement or transfer to a different facility is one of the most stressful periods for juvenile offenders', the authors' postulate initial intake assessments may overstate the prevalence of mental health symptoms. While useful in identifying high levels of distress, additional assessment(s) at a later date can assist authorities in providing targeted interventions to youth most at-risk.