Aspects of social justice can be measured by how a society treats the incarcerated, especially marginalized youths from impoverished communities. The narrative has changed from punitive punishment toward a mental health approach focusing on treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery. Nearly two-thirds of youth within juvenile justice systems meet criteria for a psychiatric disorder. Behavioral health needs often contributes to offending, so the system must shift focus to a mental health framework in order to divert youth from the criminal justice system.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore how various aspects of culture impact the quality and type of care administered
• Discuss how diversity and multiculturalism can be strengths instead of barriers
• Describe ways to apply a multicultural lens and social justice perspective in practice

Level: Intermediate