Gaps in the Mental Health System,Justice System and The Transition to Adulthood: An Analysis of Unmet Needs

ABSTRACT More than two million adolescents and young adults are interconnected with the justice system every year. An alarming number of transitional age young adults (ages 17-25 years) in the United States justice system suffer with serious emotional problems that have at least one diagnosable mental health illness. The multiple needs for rehabilitation among these young adults have often gone unmet, and thus, they have become an extremely vulnerable subgroup in the justice system. The purpose of this study was to explore issues of disparity within mental health services, the justice system, and the unmet needs of transitional age young adults. I utilized a qualitative methodology in this study to conduct surveys and interviews with professionals in mental health services. The results of this study suggested that possible solutions to meeting the needs of transitional age young adults with mental health concerns who have any association with the judicial system include federal funding to provide resources and services for mental health assistance in addressing their needs