Justice-involved youth have higher rates of emotional and behavioral problems than the general population, and many come from marginalized backgrounds and/or have faced challenges such as being involved in the child welfare system, facing stigma, and living in poverty. These youth have a high need for substance use and mental health services, though the complexities of their lives and clinical presentations, in addition to attitudes and resources within the justice system, can be barriers to successful treatment. This webinar will focus on common behavioral health concerns among justice-involved youth, potential treatment barriers, and suggestions for providers who wish to serve these youth and their families.
Presenter
Dr. Nora Charles is a licensed psychologist and Associate Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Texas A&M University and completed an NIH-funded postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Texas School of Medicine. Dr. Charles teaches courses on psychological assessment, adolescent development, and forensic psychology. She also supervises PhD trainees completing clinical psychology practicing in both forensic and general clinical settings. Dr. Charles and her students engage in community-based research on prevention and intervention strategies for at-risk and justice-involved youth. This work is currently funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the University of Southern Mississippi.
