Study reveals troubling gaps in accuracy, fairness of mental health screenings for incarcerated youth

Cătălin Roșioru

Florida Atlantic University Aug 11 2025 Approximately 70% of incarcerated youth in the United States have a mental disorder. The challenges in this population are profound – about 30% report suicidal thoughts, 12% have attempted suicide and 25% experience solitary confinement, a condition strongly associated with increased suicide risk. Depression is also widespread, affecting 10% to 25% of youth with moderate to severe symptoms. Comprehensive mental health screenings play a vital role in