The Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation is pleased to announce the expansion of Mental Health Juvenile Court Liaison services to an additional 37 counties around the state. Mental Health Juvenile Court Liaisons are masters-level clinicians who are available to the courts to provide early identification assessment and greater access to services for children/adolescents and their families with mental health needs.

According to a report issued by the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, there is compelling evidence to indicate that the vast majority of youth involved with the juvenile justice system have significant mental health needs. National prevalence data suggest that between 50 and 75 percent of youth in public and private juvenile justice facilities have at least one diagnosable mental health disorder. Over 25 percent have a substance abuse disorder. The Alabama Mental Health Juvenile Court Liaisons are somewhat unique in that they are trained in all three of the service divisions of the Department, (Mental Illness, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse). This knowledge will lead to increased accessibility and appropriate referral of children and adolescents for mental health services.

Initially, Court Liaisons were placed in 30 counties through the availability of Children's First funding in September 2001. With the current release of additional funding, the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation will be able to provide coverage for all 67 counties through its contracted community providers.

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