Native American Juvenile Detainees in New Mexico: A Descriptive Study of Gender Differences, Mental and Behavioral Health Conditions, and Social Risk Factors

Risk factors for juvenile detention vary by gender but, in general, include low household income, individual and family histories of mental and behavioral disorders, sexual and physical abuse, low academic achievement/academic difficulty, and ethnic/racial minority status. In New Mexico, a number of these risk factors characterize the lives of Native American youth. However, the prevalence of and relationships among risk factors for detained Native American juveniles is unknown. Moreover the lack of data has impeded community-based mental and behavioral health treatment and prevention efforts meant to decrease destructive behavior and prevent initial or subsequent detention or incarceration