International Journal of Law and Psychiatry 32 (2009) 288–293

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International Journal of Law and Psychiatry

Evidence-based practice in group work with incarcerated youth
Ashley Quinn, Wes Shera ⁎
University of Toronto, ON, Canada

article

info

Keywords:
Evidence-based
Incarcerated adolescents
Best practices
Psychoeducational group
Dialectical behavior therapy

abstract
As a result of the Youth Criminal Justice Act's increased focus on restorative justice, treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of youth, many more juvenile offenders require mental health services while resident in youth detention facilities [Youth Criminal Justice Act (2002, c.1). Ottawa: Department …ver más…

The Act also emphasizes that treatment be tailored to the needs of the person in custody according to their level of development
(YCJA, 2002, c.1). The intent of this article is to review the emerging evidence on the use of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for incarcerated youth and identify relevant new directions for program development and research. This article will discuss how DBT meets the requirements set out for incarcerated youth under the YCJA and is an appropriate intervention for incarcerated youth to assist with their rehabilitation during incarceration. This intervention also has the potential of increasing their ability to function in the community once released. More research is needed to assess the impact of this intervention on youth and their behavior in the community. We are not proposing that DBT directly reduces recidivism, but rehabilitation is an important goal of the YCJA and we need to assist youth to succeed upon re-entry into their communities. DBT may be a contributing factor in the reduction of recidivism.
The need for appropriate mental health treatment in secure correctional facilities for youth has been well documented in the literature (Fazel, Doll, & Langsrom, 2008; Rosenblatt, Rosenblatt, &
Biggs, 2000; Ulzen, 2003; Ulzen & Hamilton, 1998). Offenders with

A. Quinn, W. Shera / International Journal of Law and Psychiatry 32 (2009) 288–293

mental health issues