Exploring the Effects of Mental Health Needs on Intermittency Among Justice-Involved Youth

Abstract

This study aimed to (a) reliably obtain intermittency periods (i.e., time gaps between incarcerations) using days as the unit of time and (b) investigate the effects of mental health needs assessed during the first incarceration on the hazard of subsequent reincarcerations among justice-involved youth (JIY). The multiyear administrative data from Harris County, TX, contained 28,255 JIY who were followed up until 18 years of age. There was a progressive shortening of the time gaps between incarcerations over time. Results of conditional Cox models revealed that mental health needs had sustained, though weakened, effects on future intermittency periods. An increased reincarceration risk (shorter intermittent intervals between incarcerations) was associated with higher self-reported ratings of Alcohol/Drug Use and Angry-Irritable. A decreased reincarceration risk (longer intermittent intervals between incarcerations) was associated with higher self-reported ratings of Depression/Anxiety and Somatic Complaints. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.