The number of adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system is increasing dramatically, particularly among female juveniles. Little is known about the extent to which findings from research conducted on male delinquents can be generalized to females. This study was a preliminary examination of the self-reported risk factors of juveniles in detention to examine differences in self-reported risk factors by gender. Data were collected from a consecutive sample of 256 adolescents being held in an urban juvenile detention center in Ohio. Respondents completed an anonymous, self-administered, computerized interview. Results support previous research findings that female juveniles are at higher risk levels related to abuse and violence and are less likely to have supportive relationships.

Recent research indicates that persons with co-existing mental illness and substance abuse are disproportionately represented in local jails. Those with co-existing disorder are reported to be at higher risk for arrest and to be arrested for less serious offenses. Although studies have been conducted to determine prevalence rates of co-existing disorder amongst arrestees, few studies have examined in any detail the discriminating characteristics of this group. In particular, little is known about how those presenting with dual symptoms differ from those who display only mental health symptoms or substance disorder symptoms. This study was conducted as a supplemental study to the Cleveland/Cuyahoga County ADAM (Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring) program in order to determine the characteristics of adult arrestees with mental health and/or substance disorders. In a sample of 311 adult arrestees, one-third (29%) scored at no risk for either mental health or substance disorders based on a screening instrument. Seventeen percent (17%) scored at risk for substance disorder with no symptoms of active mental disorder. Eighteen percent (18%) scored at risk for active mental disorder without substance abuse risks. Thirty five percent (35%) scored at risk for both mental disorder and substance disorder. Using multinomial logistic regression, those in the dual risk group were more likely to lack stable housing, to lack insurance, to have a history of substance abuse treatment and to test positive for cocaine use. Classification into the mental disorder risk only group was predicted by a personal and family history of mental illness. Members of the substance disorder risk only group were less likely to have health insurance and more likely to have a personal history of substance abuse treatment. This study supports the need for the development of an efficient means for identifying arrestees with dual risk and linking these clients to case management services, particularly to housing.

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