Self-Mutilating Adolescents in Secure Confinement

Questionnaires were mailed to 49 states and the District of Columbia to investigate various systemic approaches and solutions to self-injurious behavior as utilized by secure youth facilities. Results indicate varied frequencies of self-harming behavior among the Departments' populations, as well as differentia! perceptions of the resident's intent. The survey results suggested that, contrary to the majority of existing practices, those Departments which have chosen to take responsibility for stabilizing and treating mutilating adolescents as a distinct group express greater satisfaction with their system's approach.