Date
8-26-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Human Services: Emphasis in Forensic Behavioral Health
Department
Human Services
First Advisor
Ryan Chukuske
Second Advisor
Jerrod Brown
Abstract
Abstract
Justice-involved youth face considerable mental health challenges, yet psychotic symptoms are frequently overlooked or misclassified as behavioral problems. This capstone critically reviews peer-reviewed literature on the prevalence, risk factors, assessment strategies, clinical needs, and systemic responses related to psychosis in justice-involved adolescents. Literature was sourced from Concordia University, St. Paul Library, Google Scholar, and PubMed. Research indicates that these youth often experience complex, overlapping issues such as trauma, substance use, mood disorders, neurodevelopmental difficulties, and barriers to accessing appropriate mental health care. Unaddressed, these co-occurring needs can result in punitive or unsuitable responses from justice and related systems when early identification and evidence-based interventions are lacking. Literature highlights the necessity of distinguishing psychotic symptoms from deliberate misbehavior to avoid escalation within the juvenile justice process. This review emphasizes the need for early detection, trauma-informed and culturally sensitive assessments, family involvement, and strong collaboration among juvenile justice, behavioral health, education, and community stakeholders. Improved identification and intervention for psychosis in justice-involved youth can enhance mental health outcomes and reduce recidivism and unnecessary justice involvement.
Keywords: psychosis; justice-involved youth; juvenile justice; adolescent mental health; trauma-informed care