Postjuvenile justice reform changes in youths’ mental health symptoms.

= 62,482) in five states to examine differences in the presence of self-reported mental health symptoms in secure versus probation settings and by race/ethnicity. Rates of significant mental health concerns among JJ youth decreased by only 5% from pre- to postreform overall; however, there were significant decreases in rates of significant mental health symptoms within secure settings and fewer racial/ethnic disparities. These decreases were most notable for Latinx youth. Given the concomitant increase in youth mental health concerns in the general population during this timeframe, increases in the use of early mental health screening (at probation intake), the push toward diversion and against confinement for youth with mental health concerns, and strategies for reducing racial/ethnic disparities may have improved court decisions. These initiatives should continue. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).