Drug Use in Juvenile Facilities Reported by Youth

Drug and alcohol use reported by youth in juvenile facilities, 2008–2018

“This report describes patterns of drug and alcohol use among youth in juvenile facilities before they entered custody, including drugs or alcohol ever used and types of drugs used. It also provides findings on substance use disorder and alcohol use disorder among youth by their demographic and offense characteristics.

An estimated 84% of youth in juvenile facilities reported ever using drugs and 76% reported ever using alcohol, according to data collected in 2008-09, 2012, and 2018. More than half (60%) of youth in juvenile facilities met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for substance use disorder and more than a third (36%) met the criteria for alcohol use disorder in the 12 months before entering custody.

Findings are from an alternative questionnaire given to 10% of youth in the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ (BJS) National Survey of Youth in Custody (NSYC): 1,027 youth from the NSYC-1 in 2008–09, 937 youth from the NSYC-2 in 2012, and 652 youth from the NSYC-3 in 2018. Analyses in the report are generally based on data aggregated across the three surveys.”
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Still ringing the alarm: An enduring call to action for black youth suicide prevention

“In 2019, the Congressional Black Caucus Emergency Task Force on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health sounded the alarm about concerning suicide trends among Black youth in their report, Ring the Alarm. This present report not only urges us to renew the urgent call to action but also to critically interrogate the socioecological factors and structures—including institutional racism—that contribute to suicide risk among Black youth and how those factors create significant barriers for researchers and implementors trying to save their lives.

The data are alarming—Black youth have the fastest-rising suicide rate among their peers of other races and ethnicities. Even more disconcerting, we may not have the full picture of how suicide deaths are impacting Black youth due to misclassification errors. In the 13-year period between 2007 and 2020, the suicide rate among Black youth ages 10–17 increased by 144%. Black boys ages 0–19 have more than twice the suicide rate compared to Black girls of their age group. In 2021, one in five Black high school students reported seriously considering attempting suicide in the past year. That same year, nearly 18% of Black high school students had made a suicide plan in the past year, and 15% reported attempting suicide. Nearly 1 in 20 needed medical attention as a result of their suicide attempt.”
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National Suicide Prevention Month

Observed every September in the United States to raise awareness about suicide, its prevention, and the warning signs, it's a time when mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes suicide as a major public health concern and a leading cause of death in the U.S.

Various organizations, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), provide opportunities to participate in several annual mental health awareness events throughout this month. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) also compiles a list of helpful resources for parents, caregivers, children, teens, and mental health professionals. This month is important because it serves as a key period to rally the public, create awareness of this leading cause of death, and inspire more people to get involved in prevention efforts.

Youth experiencing homelessness have a higher rate of suicide vulnerability.

It's important to note that many factors often interact in complex ways, and the relationship between homelessness and suicide is influenced by a range of individual, interpersonal, and societal factors. Here are some key contributors.

• Mental Health Issues: Homeless youth often suffer from mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which are known risk factors for suicide.

• Substance Abuse: Substance use disorders are common among homeless youth, and these can exacerbate mental health issues and increase the likelihood of suicidal ideation and attempts.

• Trauma: Many homeless youth have experienced physical or sexual abuse, family conflict, or other forms of trauma. These traumatic experiences can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, increasing the risk of suicide.

• Isolation and Lack of Support: Being homeless often means being disconnected from family and social support networks, which can intensify feelings of loneliness and isolation, contributing to suicidal thoughts.

• Lack of Access to Mental Health Services: Homeless youth often lack access to adequate healthcare, including mental health services. This lack of treatment and support can make it more difficult for them to cope with mental health issues and suicidal ideation.

• Discrimination and Stigmatization: Homeless youth often face discrimination and stigmatization which can lead to low self-esteem and increased risk of suicide.

This month is dedicated to educating people about the reality of suicide, the right preventive measures, and how each person can play a role in preventing suicide. We will be sharing public resources to shed light on this highly taboo and stigmatized topic.

What you can do to help...

• Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the risk factors and warning signs of suicide. Share this information with your friends, family, or social media followers. The more people know, the better equipped they are to intervene if necessary.

• Spread the Word: Share posts, articles, and stories on your social media accounts. Use hashtags like #SuicidePrevention or #StigmaFree to make it easier for others to find helpful information. Utilize the Fenix Youth Crisis Text Line by texting FENIX to 471471.

• Participate in Events: Many organizations host events during September that raise awareness about suicide prevention. Participating in these events can give you a platform to share your story, learn from others, and raise funds for research and prevention.

• Volunteer: Consider volunteering with a crisis hotline or a local mental health organization. These organizations often need volunteers to provide support and resources to those in need.

• Advocate: Contact your local government officials to advocate for policies that support mental health and suicide prevention. This could include advocating for mental health education in schools or funding for mental health services.

• Check-In: If you're worried about someone, reach out to them. Ask them how they're doing and listen without judgment. Sometimes, just knowing someone is there can make a big difference.

• Donate: If you're able, consider making a donation to a suicide prevention organization. Your donation could go towards research, resources, training, and advocacy.

What else is Fenix Youth Project doing this month?

We’re always on a mission to uplift and inspire our youth. This month we're facilitating different fundraisers and programs you can be involved in! Below is a list of activities/ things you can do to help.

• Attend our Sneaker Ball! Saturday, Sep 16th at SU Art Galleries (downtown, doors open at 7)

• Stop at our pop-up thrift fundraiser during third Friday downtown! You can fill a paper bag with clothing/ shoes for $20! (Friday Sep 22nd)

• Join our “Stay Ready” program on Tuesday evenings from 5-7! This is located in our suite and only open to homeless youth. Dinner is provided.

• Volunteer with us! 

• Donate Mental Health Support Activities Items like journals, adult coloring books, art supplies, etc.

• Get Involved with Fenix  on our website https://fenixyouthproject.org/get-involved