Advocating for Mental Health Treatment in Juvenile Justice

Advocating for Mental Health Treatment in Juvenile Justice

Law Office of Katie Walsh

September 23, 2024

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Mental health disorders are rampant among juveniles who find themselves in the justice system. Disorders such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and conduct disorders are disproportionately prevalent. And the majority of these juveniles have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect or come from challenging socioeconomic backgrounds—all factors contributing to their mental health struggles. Statistics show that up to 70% of youth in the juvenile justice system have a diagnosable mental health disorder.

Overview of Mental Health Issues in Juvenile Justice

When left untreated, mental health issues can manifest as behavioral problems, leading to criminal activity. A teenager struggling with PTSD might lash out violently, not out of malice, but as a reaction to their trauma. Another might turn to illegal activities as a coping mechanism for their untreated depression or anxiety. The link between mental health and delinquent behavior is clear, yet too often ignored in favor of punitive measures.

Current Challenges in Addressing Mental Health in Juvenile Justice

Providing Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment

Resources are scarce—there simply aren’t enough mental health professionals to go around. The system is overburdened, and the focus is too often on punishment rather than rehabilitation. Offering comprehensive mental health assessments upon entering the system will allow for the identification of any underlying issues that may have contributed to their involvement in criminal activity and enable tailored treatment plans to be implemented.

Breaking the Stigma

The stigma attached to mental illness can discourage young individuals from seeking help or accepting treatment, fearing judgment or discrimination. By advocating for mental health treatment, we can work towards breaking the stigma and creating a more supportive and understanding environment for juveniles in the justice system.

Preventing Recidivism

Many studies have shown a strong correlation between mental health disorders and repeat offending. By providing appropriate treatment and support for young individuals in the justice system, we can help them overcome their challenges and break the cycle of criminal behavior.

When juveniles receive the care they need, they’re more likely to reintegrate into society successfully, reducing the burden on the justice system and lowering crime rates. It’s a win-win situation, but it requires a shift in focus—from punishment to rehabilitation.

Call an Orange County Juvenile Defense Attorney Today

When a young person enters the juvenile justice system, their case often involves more than just the charges against them – it can also hinge on their mental health. This is where having a committed advocate like Katie Walsh can make all the difference. Katie understands that juvenile justice is not just about punishment—it’s about ensuring that young people receive the care and support they need to thrive.

Her approach is holistic, focusing not only on the legal aspects of the case but also on advocating for necessary mental health evaluations and treatment. She fights tirelessly to ensure that her clients receive the mental health services they need, helping to break the cycle of recidivism and set them on a path to a healthier, more positive future.

For compassionate and dedicated legal representation that prioritizes your child’s well-being, call us today at (714) 351-0178 or contact us online.

Client Reviews

I hired attorney Katie Walsh to help my son when he was found with a large amount of drugs on school campus. She got us through the Expulsion Hearing, and miraculously he can go back to school at the winter semester...

AR- parent of minor client

I hired Katie Walsh to have my felony convictions expunged. She was able to expunge my record within 6 weeks of me giving her all the information. Even though technically I had a probation violation, and therefore the...

AR, criminal client

My 16 year old son was charged with possession of Marijuana, HS 11357(b). I was very concerned about what would happen to him and how this would affect his future. I contacted Ms. Walsh and she assured me that everything...

CT, parent of juvenile client

My child was charged with Felony Penal Code 597(a)- Animal Cruelty. After hiring Katie Walsh, she got the charges reduced to a misdemeanor, counseling, and 40 hours of chores at home. We come back in 6 months and the...

DH - Parent of Juvenile client

I hired Katie Walsh to represent my son on sexual abuse allegations- P.C. 288(a) and P.C. 288(b)- they were Strike Charges. After negotiating with the D.A., she got all the strike charges dismissed, and got my son...

DR- mother of juvenile client

Katie Walsh was fantastic throughout this entire process! My 13 year old son was charged with two counts of lewd act on a minor, PC 288(a) and was in juvenile hall. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she GOT MY SON OUT OF JAIL and...

EG, parent of juvenile client

My 14 year old son was arrested at school for P.C. 311 (child pornography). My son had innocent and stupid nude pictures of himself and friends on his phone. Ms. Walsh was extremely easy to talk to, and made my son feel...

GK,TK, parents of juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was a life saver when I didn't know what was going on, or how to handle the situation. My young daughter was attacked at her middle school and was seriously injured. At a time when both the school and the...

HA, mother of 13 year old Victim Rights client

I hired Katie Walsh to seal my juvenile record of PC 288(a) (lewd act on a minor), after my request had been denied by a Judge and by the Probation Department. After speaking with Probation, the DA and the Judge at a...

JW, former juvenile client

I was charged with a Felony Conspiracy charge- PC 182. After hiring Ms. Walsh she got my charged reduced to a misdemeanor right away, and now I just have to do community service and in 6 months my entire case will be...

KP, juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was like a breath of fresh air throughout this entire process. I was uncertain about the outcome, but she told me everything would be ok- and it was. She had my juvenile record sealed within 3 months of...

LR, former juvenile client

Ms. Walsh got the judge to terminate my son's probation and seal his 2 juvenile cases (Penal Code 288(a) and Penal Code 242) even though he had violated my probation by picking up a new case. By getting his record sealed...

MB- mother of juvenile client

At a very difficult time in my life I contacted attorney Katie Walsh. I am a teacher and was being harassed/stalked by a parent at my school. I wanted a Restraining Order against this person. Ms. Walsh listened to me...

MB, restraining order client

My son was charged with Lewd Conduct, P.C. 647 out of Downey, CA. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she spoke with the District Attorney, Probation, and the Judge. Even though the judge was not pleased with the offer, she was able...

MG, parent of minor

It is with sincere gratitude that I send this recommendation As a parent of a child that was arrested on a Felony Domestic Abuse charge and over 2000 miles away I had to rely on friend of a friends word that you would...

MPF, mother of criminal client

I really liked having Ms. Walsh as my attorney. She visited me in Juvenile Hall. I was charged with four counts of Robbery (Penal Code 211). This was my 8th juvenile petition. Ms. Walsh got 2 of the robbery charges...

MU, juvenile client

I was arrested for a felony Domestic charge, PC 273.5(a). After I hired Katie Walsh, my entire case was dismissed. I never had to appear in court. I felt very comfortable with Ms. Walsh- she was easy to speak with...

NF, criminal client

Katie was instrumental in helping me with a criminal matter as an advocate for me and my children when I was a named victim in a DV case. She patiently and expediently addressed all of my questions and was an invaluable...

My daughter was pulled over arrested for having a Fake ID. After hiring Ms. Walsh my daughter did not have to plead guilty- which would have affected her license status. She did community service, completed a legal...

My 14 year old daughter was involved in an assault and battery- PC 240/242, in Irvine. After hiring Katie Walsh the case was not referred to Court. My daughter was able to complete a class and the case will be dismissed...

SG, mother a juvenile client

My son was charged with possession of Child Pornography P.C. 311.11(a) - a charge I did not realize a child could be guilty of! As parents were beside ourselves when we found this out, and contacted Katie Walsh. She...

SH- mother of juvenile client

From San Diego I contacted Ms. Walsh about sealing my juvenile record in Orange County regarding a Petty Theft charge. She was always very responsive to any of my questions, and consistently kept me updated. Even though...

XL, juvenile client

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