Study: Ohio youth mental health linked to juvenile justice system

By Mark Richardson

A new Ohio study showed youth mental health is influenced by family, peers, trauma and interactions with the juvenile justice system.

The report from the Health Policy Institute of Ohio found appropriate juvenile justice policies can prevent delinquent behavior and improve community safety.

Jacob Santiago, senior analyst for the Health Policy Institute of Ohio and the study's lead author, said data provide evidence juvenile detention can harm youth mental health.

"When a child is made at risk of harming themselves or someone else, they're experiencing a crisis, they're not able to take care of themselves," Santiago pointed out. "Oftentimes, families do call 911, and that starts their kid down a certain path towards being involved in the justice system."

Santiago said the percentage of youth in Ohio juvenile correctional facilities needing mental health support increased from 67% to 78% from 2019 to 2025. The report called for Ohio elected officials and other policymakers to improve crisis intervention, strengthen diversion from justice involvement and increase access to mental health treatment in detention facilities.

Santiago noted the study found in 2023, 33% of Ohio high school students reported having frequent mental health issues, compared to 29% nationwide. He added such problems do not occur equally across social and ethnic lines.

"There are some groups in Ohio, including Black and Hispanic youth and LGBTQ+ youth, who are unfairly overrepresented in the juvenile justice system," Santiago emphasized. "Because of more trauma that they are likely to experience than other youth in Ohio."

Santiago stressed many experiences shape the mental health of children and youth, including relationships with family and peers, traumatic events and interactions with the juvenile justice system. He argued by ensuring the health and well-being of children, juvenile justice policies can prevent delinquent behavior and improve community safety.