Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research 4/2017

01-07-2017 | Original Article

Juvenile Probation Officer Self-Assessed Mental Health Competency as a Predictor of Case Management Practices

Authors: Evan D. Holloway, Keith R. Cruise, Sarah M. Downs, Patrick O. Monahan, Matthew C. Aalsma

Published in: Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research | Issue 4/2017

Login to get access

Abstract

Justice-involved youth endorse high rates of mental health problems. Juvenile probation is the most common disposition in the justice system and juvenile probation officers (JPOs) are crucial for connecting justice-involved youth with appropriate care. We examined the role of mental health competency on the use of self-report case management strategy types (deterrence, restorative justice, and treatment) by JPOs and whether jurisdiction-level differences were relevant. Results suggest that mental health competency predicted use of restorative justice and treatment strategies and all three strategy types varied at the county level. The role of mental health competency in use of treatment strategies is relevant to connecting justice-involved youth to mental health care. Furthermore, a substantial amount of the variance predicting the use of all three strategies was accounted for at the county level.
Literature
go back to reference Aalsma, M. C., Gudonis, L. C., Jarjoura, G. R., Blythe, M. J., Tong, Y., Harezlak, J., & Rosenman, M. B. (2012a). The consequences of juvenile detention reform for mental health and sexually transmitted infection screening among detained youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 50(4), 365–370. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2011.08.013.CrossRefPubMed Aalsma, M. C., Gudonis, L. C., Jarjoura, G. R., Blythe, M. J., Tong, Y., Harezlak, J., & Rosenman, M. B. (2012a). The consequences of juvenile detention reform for mental health and sexually transmitted infection screening among detained youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 50(4), 365–370. doi:10.​1016/​j.​jadohealth.​2011.​08.​013.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Aalsma, M. C., Tong, Y., Lane, K., Katz, B., & Rosenman, M. B. (2012b). Use of outpatient care by juvenile detainees upon community reentry: Effects of mental health screening and referral. Psychiatric Services, 63(10), 997–1003.CrossRefPubMed Aalsma, M. C., Tong, Y., Lane, K., Katz, B., & Rosenman, M. B. (2012b). Use of outpatient care by juvenile detainees upon community reentry: Effects of mental health screening and referral. Psychiatric Services, 63(10), 997–1003.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Alegria, M., Robles, R., Freeman, D. H., Vera, M., Jimenez, A. L., Rios, C., & Rios, R. (1991). Patterns of mental health utilization among island Puerto Rican poor. American Journal of Public Health, 81(7), 875–879.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Alegria, M., Robles, R., Freeman, D. H., Vera, M., Jimenez, A. L., Rios, C., & Rios, R. (1991). Patterns of mental health utilization among island Puerto Rican poor. American Journal of Public Health, 81(7), 875–879.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
go back to reference Anderson, E. A., & Spanier, G. B. (1980). Treatment of delinquent youth. Criminology, 17(4), 505–514.CrossRef Anderson, E. A., & Spanier, G. B. (1980). Treatment of delinquent youth. Criminology, 17(4), 505–514.CrossRef
go back to reference Andrews, D. A., Bonta, J., & Hoge, R. D. (1990). Classification for effective rehabilitation: Rediscovering psychology. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 17(1), 19–52.CrossRef Andrews, D. A., Bonta, J., & Hoge, R. D. (1990). Classification for effective rehabilitation: Rediscovering psychology. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 17(1), 19–52.CrossRef
go back to reference Bazemore, G., & Terry, W. C. (1997). Developing delinquent youths: a reintegrative model for rehabilitation and a new role for the juvenile justice system. Child Welfare, 76(5), 665–716.PubMed Bazemore, G., & Terry, W. C. (1997). Developing delinquent youths: a reintegrative model for rehabilitation and a new role for the juvenile justice system. Child Welfare, 76(5), 665–716.PubMed
go back to reference Bickman, L., Heflinger, C. A., Northrup, D., Sonnichsen, S., & Schilling, S. (1998). Long term outcomes to family caregiver empowerment. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 7(3), 269–282. doi:10.1023/a:1022937327049.CrossRef Bickman, L., Heflinger, C. A., Northrup, D., Sonnichsen, S., & Schilling, S. (1998). Long term outcomes to family caregiver empowerment. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 7(3), 269–282. doi:10.​1023/​a:​1022937327049.CrossRef
go back to reference Blake, M. A. (1948). Probation is not casework. Federal Probation, 12, 54. Blake, M. A. (1948). Probation is not casework. Federal Probation, 12, 54.
go back to reference Brannan, A. M., & Heflinger, C. A. (2006). Caregiver, child, family, and service system contributors to caregiver strain in two child mental health service systems. Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research, 33, 408–422.CrossRefPubMed Brannan, A. M., & Heflinger, C. A. (2006). Caregiver, child, family, and service system contributors to caregiver strain in two child mental health service systems. Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research, 33, 408–422.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Cappon, L., & Vander Laenen, F. (2012). Mental health in juvenile judges’ decision-making: Review of literature. International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 36(1), 65–72.CrossRefPubMed Cappon, L., & Vander Laenen, F. (2012). Mental health in juvenile judges’ decision-making: Review of literature. International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 36(1), 65–72.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Clear, T., & Latessa, E. (1993). Probation officers’ roles in intensive supervision: Surveillance versus treatment. Justice Quarterly, 10(3), 441–462.CrossRef Clear, T., & Latessa, E. (1993). Probation officers’ roles in intensive supervision: Surveillance versus treatment. Justice Quarterly, 10(3), 441–462.CrossRef
go back to reference Costello, E. J., Burns, B. J., Costello, A. J., Edelbrock, C., Dulcan, M., & Brent, D. (1988). Service utilization and psychiatric diagnosis in pediatric primary care: The role of the gatekeeper. Pediatrics, 82(3), 435.PubMed Costello, E. J., Burns, B. J., Costello, A. J., Edelbrock, C., Dulcan, M., & Brent, D. (1988). Service utilization and psychiatric diagnosis in pediatric primary care: The role of the gatekeeper. Pediatrics, 82(3), 435.PubMed
go back to reference Dembo, R. (1972). Orientation and activities of the parole officer. Criminology, 10(2), 193–215.CrossRef Dembo, R. (1972). Orientation and activities of the parole officer. Criminology, 10(2), 193–215.CrossRef
go back to reference DeMichele, M. (2007). Probation and parole’s growing caseloads and workload allocation: Strategies for managerial decision making. Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Assistance. DeMichele, M. (2007). Probation and parole’s growing caseloads and workload allocation: Strategies for managerial decision making. Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Assistance.
go back to reference Drake, E. K., Aos, S., & Miller, M. G. (2009). Evidence-based public policy options to reduce crime and criminal justice costs: Implications in Washington state. Victims and Offenders, 4(2), 170–196.CrossRef Drake, E. K., Aos, S., & Miller, M. G. (2009). Evidence-based public policy options to reduce crime and criminal justice costs: Implications in Washington state. Victims and Offenders, 4(2), 170–196.CrossRef
go back to reference Fazel, S., Doll, H., & Långström, N. (2008). Mental disorders among adolescents in juvenile detention and correctional facilities: A systematic review and metaregression analysis of 25 surveys. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 47(9), 1010–1019.PubMed Fazel, S., Doll, H., & Långström, N. (2008). Mental disorders among adolescents in juvenile detention and correctional facilities: A systematic review and metaregression analysis of 25 surveys. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 47(9), 1010–1019.PubMed
go back to reference Griffin, P., & Torbet, P. (2002). Desktop guide to good juvenile probation practice, 2002. No.: ISBN 0-910099-20-0, 138. Griffin, P., & Torbet, P. (2002). Desktop guide to good juvenile probation practice, 2002. No.: ISBN 0-910099-20-0, 138.
go back to reference Grisso, T., & Barnum, R. (2006). Massachusetts youth screening instrument, version 2: MAYSI-2: User’s manual and technical report. Sarasota: Professional Resource Press. Grisso, T., & Barnum, R. (2006). Massachusetts youth screening instrument, version 2: MAYSI-2: User’s manual and technical report. Sarasota: Professional Resource Press.
go back to reference Heck, R. H., Thomas, S. L., & Tabata, L. N. (2013). Multilevel and longitudinal modeling with IBM SPSS (quantitative methodology series) (2nd ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Heck, R. H., Thomas, S. L., & Tabata, L. N. (2013). Multilevel and longitudinal modeling with IBM SPSS (quantitative methodology series) (2nd ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
go back to reference Heflinger, C. A., & Hinshaw, S. P. (2010). Stigma in child and adolescent mental health services research: understanding professional and institutional stigmatization of youth with mental health problems and their families. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 37(1–2), 61–70. doi:10.1007/s10488-010-0294-z.CrossRefPubMed Heflinger, C. A., & Hinshaw, S. P. (2010). Stigma in child and adolescent mental health services research: understanding professional and institutional stigmatization of youth with mental health problems and their families. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 37(1–2), 61–70. doi:10.​1007/​s10488-010-0294-z.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Henggeler, S., & Schoenwald, S. J. (2011). Evidence-based interventions for juvenile offenders and juvenile justice policies that support them. Social Policy Report, 25(1), 1–20. Henggeler, S., & Schoenwald, S. J. (2011). Evidence-based interventions for juvenile offenders and juvenile justice policies that support them. Social Policy Report, 25(1), 1–20.
go back to reference Hoeve, M., McReynolds, L. S., & Wasserman, G. A. (2013). Service referral for juvenile justice youths: Associations with psychiatric disorder and recidivism. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 41(3), 379–389. doi:10.1007/s10488-013-0472-x.CrossRef Hoeve, M., McReynolds, L. S., & Wasserman, G. A. (2013). Service referral for juvenile justice youths: Associations with psychiatric disorder and recidivism. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 41(3), 379–389. doi:10.​1007/​s10488-013-0472-x.CrossRef
go back to reference Holloway, E. D., Brown, J. R., Suman, P. D., & Aalsma, M. C. (2013). A qualitative examination of juvenile probation officers as gateway providers to mental health care. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 24(3), 370–392. doi:10.1177/0887403412436603.CrossRef Holloway, E. D., Brown, J. R., Suman, P. D., & Aalsma, M. C. (2013). A qualitative examination of juvenile probation officers as gateway providers to mental health care. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 24(3), 370–392. doi:10.​1177/​0887403412436603​.CrossRef
go back to reference Howell, J. C. (2003). Preventing and reducing juvenile delinquency: A comprehensive framework. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Howell, J. C. (2003). Preventing and reducing juvenile delinquency: A comprehensive framework. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
go back to reference Hox, J. J. (2010). Multilevel analysis: Techniques and applications. Routledge. Hox, J. J. (2010). Multilevel analysis: Techniques and applications. Routledge.
go back to reference H. B. 1536, Indiana Code §12-15-1-20 (2009). H. B. 1536, Indiana Code §12-15-1-20 (2009).
go back to reference Komiya, N., Good, G. E., & Sherrod, N. B. (2000). Emotional openness as a predictor of college students’ attitudes toward seeking psychological help. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 47(1), 138–143. doi:10.1037/0022-0167.47.1.138.CrossRef Komiya, N., Good, G. E., & Sherrod, N. B. (2000). Emotional openness as a predictor of college students’ attitudes toward seeking psychological help. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 47(1), 138–143. doi:10.​1037/​0022-0167.​47.​1.​138.CrossRef
go back to reference Lin, J., Miller, J., & Fukushima, M. (2008). Juvenile probation officers’ dispositional recommendations: Predictive factors and their alignment with predictors of recidivism. Journal of Crime and Justice, 31(1), 1–34. doi:10.1080/0735648X.2008.9721242.CrossRef Lin, J., Miller, J., & Fukushima, M. (2008). Juvenile probation officers’ dispositional recommendations: Predictive factors and their alignment with predictors of recidivism. Journal of Crime and Justice, 31(1), 1–34. doi:10.​1080/​0735648X.​2008.​9721242.CrossRef
go back to reference Marshall, L. E., & Marshall, W. L. (2012). The risk/needs/responsivity model: The crucial features of general responsivity. Advances in Program Evaluation, 13(1), 29–45.CrossRef Marshall, L. E., & Marshall, W. L. (2012). The risk/needs/responsivity model: The crucial features of general responsivity. Advances in Program Evaluation, 13(1), 29–45.CrossRef
go back to reference McBride Murry, V., Heflinger, C. A., VanHooser, S. E. (2007, May). Linking barriers to care and help-seeking behaviors of rural African–American families. In Paper presented at the annual conference of the National Rural Health Association. McBride Murry, V., Heflinger, C. A., VanHooser, S. E. (2007, May). Linking barriers to care and help-seeking behaviors of rural AfricanAmerican families. In Paper presented at the annual conference of the National Rural Health Association.
go back to reference Meeker, B. (1948). Probation is casework. Federal Probation, 12, 51. Meeker, B. (1948). Probation is casework. Federal Probation, 12, 51.
go back to reference Ohlin, L. E., Piven, H., & Pappenfort, D. (1956). Major dilemmas of the social worker in probation and parole. National Probation and Parole Association Journal, 2(3), 211–225. Ohlin, L. E., Piven, H., & Pappenfort, D. (1956). Major dilemmas of the social worker in probation and parole. National Probation and Parole Association Journal, 2(3), 211–225.
go back to reference Privileged communication to a mental health evaluator; exceptions, Indiana Code § 31-37-8-4.5 (2007). Privileged communication to a mental health evaluator; exceptions, Indiana Code § 31-37-8-4.5 (2007).
go back to reference Rosecrance, J. (1986). Probation supervision: mission impossible. Federal Probation, 50(1), 25–31. Rosecrance, J. (1986). Probation supervision: mission impossible. Federal Probation, 50(1), 25–31.
go back to reference Sampson, R. J., & Laub, J. H. (1993). Structural variations in juvenile court processing: inequality, the underclass, and social control. Law & Society Review, 27(2), 285–311. doi:10.2307/3053938.CrossRef Sampson, R. J., & Laub, J. H. (1993). Structural variations in juvenile court processing: inequality, the underclass, and social control. Law & Society Review, 27(2), 285–311. doi:10.​2307/​3053938.CrossRef
go back to reference Schwalbe, C. S., & Maschi, T. (2009a). Confronting delinquency: probations officers’ use of coercion and client-centered tactics to foster youth compliance. Crime & Delinquency, 57(5), 801–822.CrossRef Schwalbe, C. S., & Maschi, T. (2009a). Confronting delinquency: probations officers’ use of coercion and client-centered tactics to foster youth compliance. Crime & Delinquency, 57(5), 801–822.CrossRef
go back to reference Schwalbe, C., & Maschi, T. (2009b). Investigating probation strategies with juvenile offenders: the influence of officers’ attitudes and youth characteristics. Law and Human Behavior, 33(5), 357–367.CrossRefPubMed Schwalbe, C., & Maschi, T. (2009b). Investigating probation strategies with juvenile offenders: the influence of officers’ attitudes and youth characteristics. Law and Human Behavior, 33(5), 357–367.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Shearer, R. A. (2002). Probation strategies of juvenile and adult pre-service trainees. Federal Probation, 66(1), 33–37. Shearer, R. A. (2002). Probation strategies of juvenile and adult pre-service trainees. Federal Probation, 66(1), 33–37.
go back to reference Sluder, R. D., & Reddington, F. P. (1993). An empirical examination of the work ideologies of juvenile and adult probation officers. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 20(1–2), 115–137.CrossRef Sluder, R. D., & Reddington, F. P. (1993). An empirical examination of the work ideologies of juvenile and adult probation officers. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 20(1–2), 115–137.CrossRef
go back to reference Steiner, B., Purkiss, M., Kifer, M., Roberts, E., & Hemmens, C. (2004). Legally prescribed functions of adult and juvenile probation officers – worlds apart? Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 39(4), 47–67.CrossRef Steiner, B., Purkiss, M., Kifer, M., Roberts, E., & Hemmens, C. (2004). Legally prescribed functions of adult and juvenile probation officers – worlds apart? Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 39(4), 47–67.CrossRef
go back to reference Stiffman, A., Hadley-Ives, E., Dore, P., Polgar, M., Horvath, V., Striley, C., & Elze, D. (2000). Youths’ access to mental health services: The role of providers’ training, resource connectivity, and assessment of need. Mental Health Services Research, 2(3), 141–154.CrossRefPubMed Stiffman, A., Hadley-Ives, E., Dore, P., Polgar, M., Horvath, V., Striley, C., & Elze, D. (2000). Youths’ access to mental health services: The role of providers’ training, resource connectivity, and assessment of need. Mental Health Services Research, 2(3), 141–154.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Stiffman, A., Pescosolido, B., & Cabassa, L. (2004). Building a model to understand youth service access: The gateway provider model. Mental Health Services Research, 6(4), 189–198.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Stiffman, A., Pescosolido, B., & Cabassa, L. (2004). Building a model to understand youth service access: The gateway provider model. Mental Health Services Research, 6(4), 189–198.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
go back to reference Teplin, L. A., Abram, K. M., McClelland, G. M., Mericle, A. A., Dulcan, M. K., Washburn, J. J., & Butt, S. (2006). Psychiatric disorders of youth in detention. In A. Aarons, et al. (Eds.), The mental health needs of young offenders: Forging paths toward reintegration and rehabilitation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Teplin, L. A., Abram, K. M., McClelland, G. M., Mericle, A. A., Dulcan, M. K., Washburn, J. J., & Butt, S. (2006). Psychiatric disorders of youth in detention. In A. Aarons, et al. (Eds.), The mental health needs of young offenders: Forging paths toward reintegration and rehabilitation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
go back to reference Torbet, P. (1993). Desktop guide to good juvenile justice practice. Juvenile Probation Officer Initiative Working Group. Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Torbet, P. (1993). Desktop guide to good juvenile justice practice. Juvenile Probation Officer Initiative Working Group. Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
go back to reference Vidal, S., & Skeem, J. L. (2007). Effect of psychopathy, abuse, and ethnicity on juvenile probation officers’ decision-making and supervision strategies. Law and Human Behavior, 31(5), 479–498. doi:10.2307/4499550.CrossRefPubMed Vidal, S., & Skeem, J. L. (2007). Effect of psychopathy, abuse, and ethnicity on juvenile probation officers’ decision-making and supervision strategies. Law and Human Behavior, 31(5), 479–498. doi:10.​2307/​4499550.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Vincent, G. M., Guy, L. S., Gershenson, B. G., & McCabe, P. (2012a). Does risk assessment make a difference? Results of implementing the SAVRY in juvenile probation. Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 30(4), 384–405.CrossRef Vincent, G. M., Guy, L. S., Gershenson, B. G., & McCabe, P. (2012a). Does risk assessment make a difference? Results of implementing the SAVRY in juvenile probation. Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 30(4), 384–405.CrossRef
go back to reference Vincent, G. M., Guy, L. S., & Grisso, T. (2012b). Risk assessment in juvenile justice: A guidebook for implementation. Chicago: John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Vincent, G. M., Guy, L. S., & Grisso, T. (2012b). Risk assessment in juvenile justice: A guidebook for implementation. Chicago: John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
go back to reference Wasserman, G. A., McReynolds, L. S., Ko, S. J., Katz, L. M., & Carpenter, J. R. (2005). Gender differences in psychiatric disorders at juvenile probation intake. American Journal of Public Health, 95, 131.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Wasserman, G. A., McReynolds, L. S., Ko, S. J., Katz, L. M., & Carpenter, J. R. (2005). Gender differences in psychiatric disorders at juvenile probation intake. American Journal of Public Health, 95, 131.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
go back to reference Wasserman, G. A., McReynolds, L. S., Musabegovic, H., Whited, A. L., Keating, J. M., & Huo, Y. (2009). Evaluating Project Connect: Improving juvenile probationers’ mental health and substance use service access. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 36(6), 393–405.CrossRefPubMed Wasserman, G. A., McReynolds, L. S., Musabegovic, H., Whited, A. L., Keating, J. M., & Huo, Y. (2009). Evaluating Project Connect: Improving juvenile probationers’ mental health and substance use service access. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 36(6), 393–405.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Wasserman, G. A., McReynolds, L. S., Whited, A. L., Keating, J. M., Musabegovic, H., & Huo, Y. (2008). Juvenile probation officers’ mental health decision making. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 35(5), 410–422.CrossRefPubMed Wasserman, G. A., McReynolds, L. S., Whited, A. L., Keating, J. M., Musabegovic, H., & Huo, Y. (2008). Juvenile probation officers’ mental health decision making. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 35(5), 410–422.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Worrall, J. L., Schram, P., Hays, E., & Newman, M. (2004). An analysis of the relationship between probation caseloads and property crime rates in California counties. Journal of Criminal Justice, 32(3), 231–241.CrossRef Worrall, J. L., Schram, P., Hays, E., & Newman, M. (2004). An analysis of the relationship between probation caseloads and property crime rates in California counties. Journal of Criminal Justice, 32(3), 231–241.CrossRef
Metadata
Title
Juvenile Probation Officer Self-Assessed Mental Health Competency as a Predictor of Case Management Practices
Authors
Evan D. Holloway
Keith R. Cruise
Sarah M. Downs
Patrick O. Monahan
Matthew C. Aalsma
Publication date
01-07-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research / Issue 4/2017
Print ISSN: 0894-587X
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3289
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-016-0734-5

Other articles of this Issue 4/2017

Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research 4/2017 Go to the issue