Share and Follow
ATLANTA – A newly released bipartisan report has raised significant concerns about the treatment of children with mental health needs in juvenile detention centers.
The study reveals a troubling trend where children requiring special mental health care are being incarcerated rather than receiving appropriate treatment. The report highlights several key findings:
- 150+ facilities surveyed across the U.S.
- 75 facilities in 25 states reported holding youth while they wait for treatment.
- Some children are detained for months, even over a year.
In response to these findings, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) is advocating for substantial reforms, following a comprehensive investigation into juvenile detention facilities across the country.
“We are seeing a disturbing pattern where children with special needs are being incarcerated instead of receiving the mental health care they desperately require,” Senator Ossoff stated.
Many of these young people, who often have autism or severe behavioral health issues, could potentially avoid detention if the necessary support services were made available to them.
Ossoff highlighted problems in Georgia’s foster care system, saying it sometimes suggests incarcerating foster kids due to lack of placements.
“We have a deep child welfare crisis in Georgia,” he said.
Children in detention often face mental, physical, and emotional trauma that can last a lifetime.
Experts point to a nationwide shortage of mental health providers as a major factor.
Officials say the findings reveal a system that too often uses juvenile detention as a last resort when mental health resources aren’t available.