In a progressive move to promote healthier communities, Seattle unveiled a plan to invest in youth mental health earlier this year. This initiative acknowledges the correlation between violence among juveniles, their involvement in the court system and a lack of mental health support.
Research has consistently shown for some time now that untreated mental health issues can lead to a long list of challenges for young people, including behavioral issues, academic problems and an increased risk of involvement in the court system.
By committing significant resources to programs involving mental health, Seattle aims to address many of these underlying issues in an attempt to prevent youth from suffering from mental health challenges and the problems that stem from that.
Benefits of the investment
The potential benefits of these programs are promising and profound. The investment includes:
- Access to free counseling for youth and their families,
- Crisis intervention services,
- Family support programs, and more.
By equipping juveniles and their families with tools to address mental health issues and providing them with the resources to do so, the city hopes it can help reduce the likelihood of encounters between law enforcement and juveniles.
Early intervention
Early intervention can help mitigate factors that often lead to problematic and criminal behavior, such as childhood trauma, substance abuse and isolation, especially in today’s modern world.
By supporting and educating families, it is possible to create a more stable and nurturing environment for juveniles to grow up in. If your juvenile or one you know has committed an offense, ensure to seek legal counsel as soon as possible.