Health Care Services in Juvenile Corrections Facilities Should Match Services for Non-Incarcerated Youth

Youth incarcerated in the juvenile corrections system should receive the same level of care and mental health care as non-incarcerated youth, according to recent recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) Committee on Adolescence. The AAP has also recommended that the screening and preventive services provided to incarcerated youth should be specifically geared towards the health problems and health risks common in juvenile offenders. For youth incarcerated for more than one week, the AAP recommends that pediatric and adolescent comprehensive preventive services should be provided, including a comprehensive history, physical examination, immunizations, dental screening, and mental health screening . . .