How to Address Behavioral Health in Detention Centers

When you're responsible for the well-being of detained youth, addressing behavioral health is not just an option—it’s a necessity.  

The young people in care often come with complex mental health needs, compounded by the trauma of being in a detention center. As professionals and stakeholders in the juvenile justice system, we’re on the front lines of helping these youth, not just with their immediate needs but also setting the foundation for their future success.  

How can you improve behavioral health outcomes in such a challenging environment?  

In this blog, we’ll explore five key strategies designed to make a lasting impact on the behavioral health of detained youth. 

5 Strategies for Improving Behavioral Health Outcomes in Detention Centers    

To truly make an impact in the lives of detained youth, it's important to take a proactive and holistic approach to their behavioral health needs.  

By applying specific, actionable strategies, the challenges of a detention environment can be mitigated and foundation for healing and growth can be created.  

Below, we have explained five effective methods for improving behavioral health outcomes in detention centers, ensuring that youth in care have the best chance at rehabilitation and long-term success. 

1. Trauma-Informed Care Approaches 

One of the most critical aspects of supporting detained youth is acknowledging the deep impact that trauma has on their behavior and mental health. Many of these individuals have endured significant emotional or physical trauma before entering detention, and the stress of the environment can further exacerbate their mental health struggles. 

Trauma-informed care is about creating a safe, supportive environment that recognizes this history. It involves: 

• Training detention staff to identify and respond appropriately to signs of trauma. 
  
  
• Avoiding practices or policies that might inadvertently re-traumatize the youth. 
  
  
• Developing individualized treatment plans that take into account a detainee’s past experiences with trauma. 
  
  

By fostering a sense of trust and safety between staff and detainees, this approach can lead to better behavioral health outcomes, more positive interactions, and a calmer environment. 

2. Building Structured, Therapeutic Programming 

In a detention environment, unstructured time can lead to boredom, frustration, and a lack of purpose, all of which can contribute to negative behaviors.  

By implementing structured, therapeutic programming, youth have positive outlets and the opportunity to develop new skills. 

Some beneficial programming includes: 

• Therapeutic recreational activities: Activities such as art therapy, music therapy, or physical exercise can help detainees express themselves, manage stress, and improve their overall well-being. 
  
  
• Life skills training: Teaching youth skills such as conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and effective communication can help them better manage their behavior both in detention and beyond. 
  
  
• Educational and vocational programs: Providing youth with educational opportunities or vocational training not only promotes self-esteem and purpose but also prepares them for life after detention. 
  
  

By offering structured, therapeutic programming, you can create a sense of routine, foster personal development, and reduce negative behaviors, all of which contribute to better behavioral health outcomes.  

3. Enhancing Staff Training and Support 

The mental health and behavior of court-involved youth are deeply influenced by the staff who interact with them daily.  

To improve behavioral health outcomes, it's essential to equip Child Focus staff with the tools, knowledge, and emotional resilience necessary to handle the unique challenges of working in a detention setting. 

Key components of Child Focus staff training and support include: 

• Ongoing mental health training: Equip staff with knowledge on mental health conditions, crisis de-escalation techniques, and how to manage challenging behaviors. 
  
  
• Cultural competency training: Understanding the cultural and social backgrounds of detainees can help staff respond with greater empathy and effectiveness. 
  
  
• Staff wellness initiatives: Since working in detention centers can be emotionally draining, providing support to prevent burnout is crucial. Offering access to mental health resources, peer support groups, and stress management tools ensures that staff remain mentally and emotionally equipped to provide the best care. 
  
  

When staff are well-prepared and supported, they create a more stable and compassionate environment, which can have a significant positive impact on youth mental health.  

4. Strengthening Continuity of Care 

Behavioral health care shouldn’t stop once a youth leaves the detention center. Ensuring a smooth transition to community-based services is crucial for maintaining progress and supporting long-term well-being. 

Strategies for continuity of care include: 

• Developing individualized post-detention care plans. 
  
  
• Connecting families with external support networks and mental health services. 
  
  
• Engaging family members and external providers in the youth's treatment plan to offer consistent support beyond detention. 
  
  

By strengthening continuity of care, you help ensure that the positive changes made during detention are sustained after release, which can significantly improve long-term behavioral health outcomes. 

5. Implementing Evidence-Based Practices post-release from Detention 

Child Focus uses methods that are backed by scientific research, and which are effective and reliable.  

Evidence-based practices (EBPs) offer structured, proven approaches to addressing the mental health challenges faced by detained youth. 

Some EBPs include: 

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This helps youth recognize and alter negative thought patterns and behaviors. 
  
  
• Family therapy, including Multi-dimensional Family Therapy (MDFT): Addressing relational issues that may be contributing to mental health problems, this therapy helps restore and strengthen family dynamics. 
  
  
• Substance abuse treatment programs: Tailored programs, like The Seven Challenges, for those with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders can offer a lifeline to youth struggling with multiple challenges. 
  
  

Incorporating evidence-based practices helps develop essential coping skills and emotional regulation, ultimately reducing recidivism and preparing them for a more positive life after detention.  

Improve Behavioral Health Outcomes with Child Focus 

At Child Focus, we believe that improving behavioral health outcomes in detention centers starts with a child-centered approach.  

By implementing trauma-informed care, evidence-based practices, and ensuring continuity of care, we help create supportive environments where youth can heal and thrive. Our focus is on addressing the unique mental health needs of each child, equipping them with the tools for success both in detention and beyond.  

We invite you to explore our behavioral health services, designed to support court-involved youth and help make a lasting impact. Together, we can create brighter futures for these young individuals.  

Interested in the difference Child Focus can make for your child's behavioral health? Click here to reach out now and discuss your options! 

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