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Presented at the 18th Annual Research Conference

Suicide Risk at Juvenile Probation Intake

Download Handouts: 88kb pdf

Session Number: 41 Room: Salon I

Presenting: Larkin McReynolds

All Authors for this paper: Larkin McReynolds

Presentation Type: paper presentation

Synopsis: Many risks for suicidal behavior, identified in community samples, are elevated in justice youth. We examined whether risks operate similarly in a justice sample. Previous studies have considered suicide risk in secure care; we examine an earlier processing point (probation intake), when most youths remain in their communities, and also investigate gender differences. We measured suicidal behavior and disorder on the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children in 991 randomly selected youths at intake. Regression analyses assessed effects of demographic and offense characteristics, and of certain disorders on past attempts. Recent suicide attempts were more common in girls, in those with Major Depressive or Substance Use Disorder, and in violent offenders, with similar results for lifetime attempts. While girls reported more recent attempts regardless of depression, depressed boys' attempt risk was as high as girls'. Mood disorder contributed more to attempt history than did substance disorder. Half of recent attempters were positive for 3+ identified risks. Many risks for suicidal behavior are similar to those identified in non-justice settings. In probation settings, where access to opportunity and means are elevated, assessment of suicide risk is uncommon; these agencies should adopt better procedures to identify and manage suicide risk.

Date: Tuesday, March 8, 2005

Session Time: 1:15 PM - 2:45 PM

Presentation Time: 1:15 PM - 1:45 PM