Juvenile correctional officer beliefs about trauma and mental illness: Perceptions of training and youth behaviors

Youth with a mental illness are incarcerated at much higher rates than youth without a psychological diagnosis. Correctional officers serve as a source of daily interaction for these youth and are required to manage juvenile mental health symptoms with minimal training. When staff do not fully understand mental health needs or hold stigmatic perceptions, youth may experience negative consequences. Being aware of officer perceptions of juvenile mental health issues has the potential to improve monitoring and treatment of youth at correctional facilities. This study took place at a Midwestern juvenile correctional facility—the only one in the state. Officer attitudes surrounding mental health, mental health training, and treatment needs were assessed among a sample of juvenile correctional officers employed at the facility. Findings suggest overall positive perceptions of juvenile mental health issues, but suggest the need for increased mental health training for juvenile correctional officers.