Citation

Cossy LS, Miller LT. Paediatr. Child Health (1996) 2013; 18(10): 523-528.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Canadian Paediatric Society, Publisher Pulsus Group)

DOI

10.1093/pch/18.10.523

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Adolescents admitted to youth custody facilities are often in need of physical and mental health care.

OBJECTIVES: To describe primary health care practices in Ontario's youth custody facilities.

METHOD: A questionnaire regarding facility characteristics and primary health care practices was distributed to the directors of all youth custody facilities in Ontario.

RESULTS: Most (87.8%) facilities obtained medical histories after the youth arrived, and 92% used health care professionals to perform that assessment. Intake medical examinations were performed on each youth admitted to custody at 94% of all facilities; however, only 57.2% of facilities reported that these examinations were performed by a doctor within 72 h of admission. Performing suicide assessments on all youth at intake was reported by 77.6% of facilities. Continuous health education was provided by 76% of facilities. Facility type and type of management appear to be related to some areas of health services provision.

CONCLUSIONS: Youth custody facilities in Ontario are providing primary health care services. Weaknesses are, however, evident, particularly in relation to untimely intake medical examinations, failure to provide continuous health education and failure to conduct suicide assessments on all youth at intake. Future research on barriers to health service provision in Canadian youth custody facilities is recommended. ©2013 Pulsus Group Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; adult; Canada; human; mental health; suicide; child; female; health education; male; exercise; drug use; sport; sexual health; article; medical service; questionnaire; physician; health program; school child; clinical article; hospital admission; custody; health care facility; mental health service; preschool child; child parent relation; prenatal care; psychologist; primary health care; health care personnel; health practitioner; social worker; withdrawal syndrome; medical examination; sexually transmitted disease; Health care; medical history; descriptive research; dermatology; hygiene; health care practice; Custody facilities; Health practices; nutrition education; Youth custody; youth custody facility