From Social Rejection to Welfare Oblivion: Health and Mental Health in Juvenile Justice in Brazil, Colombia and Spain

Abstract

(1) Background: This study aims to examine and describe the policies of three Latin American countries: Colombia, Brazil, and Spain, and identify how they implement their support systems for health, mental health, mental health for children and adolescents, and juvenile justice systems that support judicial measures with treatment and/or therapeutic approaches specialized in mental health. (2) Methods: Google Scholar, Medline, and Scopus databases were searched to identify and synthesize of the literature. (3) Results: Three shared categories were extracted to construct the defining features of public policies on mental health care in juvenile justice: (i.) models of health and mental health care, (ii.) community-based child and adolescent mental health care, and (iii.) mental health care and treatment in juvenile justice. (4) Conclusions: Juvenile justice in these three countries lacks a specialized system to deal with this problem, nor have procedures been designed to specifically address these situations within the framework of children’s rights.

Clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with mental disorders in a specialized outpatient clinic and its role in the psychosocial care network

“…This was substantial progress and resulted in the arrival of many untreated or poorly treated patients, whose psychological impairment had serious consequences on their daily lives ( 30 ). The impact of this practice reinforced the need for an increase in hiring human resources and indicated gaps in the way psychiatric treatment was being offered in outpatient clinics (with its focus on the clinical characteristics of pharmacotherapy) ( 30 – 33 ).…”

“…Studies on these practices have focused on the outpatient context ( 33 ). Regular meetings were established with teams, encouraging collaboration and communication among mental health professionals, and continually working together to receive clients in the form of the reception group ( 33 , 34 ).…”

“…Studies on these practices have focused on the outpatient context ( 33 ). Regular meetings were established with teams, encouraging collaboration and communication among mental health professionals, and continually working together to receive clients in the form of the reception group ( 33 , 34 ). The group of professionals was extended beyond psychiatrists and psychologists, with nurses, social workers, and occupational therapists being available in certain units ( 34 , 35 ).…”