News Release
For Immediate Release
April 29, 2008
Contact:
Aaron Zappia
(215) 657-7700
PA Senate Approves Greenleaf Bill to Help Identify Juvenile
Offenders with Behavioral Health Problems
HARRISBURG—Today, the Pennsylvania Senate passed Senate Bill
1269 sponsored by State Senator Stewart J. Greenleaf (R-Montgomery / Bucks) to
prevent statements made by a juvenile offender during the pre-trial screening
process from being used as evidence in court.
The screening process is intended to detect existing mental
illness and substance abuse disorders, but because the statements made by
juvenile offenders during evaluation are admissible in court, young offenders
are often advised to not fully cooperate for fear of consequences in subsequent
legal proceedings.
"Serious behavioral health problems such as drug addiction and
mental illness are overlooked when juvenile offenders fail to cooperate with the
evaluation process," said Senator Greenleaf. "This places the public at risk,
because these offenders are less likely to be referred to the proper treatment
programs which are proven to dramatically reduce their chances of future
criminal behavior."
According to a 2006 report issued by the Pennsylvania Commission
on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), the need for mental health services and
substance abuse treatment is well documented among juvenile offenders. A
National Mental Health Association analysis estimates that between 50% and 75%
of juvenile facility residents have some mental, emotional, or behavioral heath
disorder.
Young people with unidentified and untreated mental health and
substance abuse problems are unable to participate fully in families, schools,
and communities, and are at high risk of becoming involved in criminal
behavior. Once in the juvenile system, untreated youth pose a safety risk to
themselves and others.
In June 2006, the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
issued a report entitled "Pennsylvania's Mental Health System for Children and
Youth." One of the recommendations was for the General Assembly to amend the
Juvenile Act to address concerns about self-incrimination when youth undergo
mental health screening or assessment.
The Mental Health/Juvenile Justice Work Group of the
Pennsylvania MacArthur Foundation Models for Change Initiative, comprised of
representatives from the juvenile justice, mental health, child welfare, drug
and alcohol, and education systems, as well as families, were instrumental in
encouraging this legislation. The legislation has been endorsed by the Juvenile
Court Judges' Commission.
"While juvenile offenders must receive appropriate punishment,
they should also receive the treatment that is needed to correct their negative
behavior," said Senator Greenleaf. "The earlier their problems are detected and
treated, better are the chances that these young people can re-enter society at
the end of their sentence prepared to live crime-free lives."
Senate Bill 1269 will be referred to the Pennsylvania House
Judiciary Committee for consideration.
