Legal issues, rights, and ethics for mental health in juvenile justice

The legal issues, rights, and ethics of working with minors, the mentally ill, and those involved in the justice system are among the most demanding areas for health professionals. To provide appropriate and competent service for youth involved in the juvenile justice system, mental health professionals must be aware of the legal and ethical expectations and constraints. This article reviews the major laws, court decisions, professional standards, and available research on these topics. The recent trends and current questions are discussed in relationship to clinical practice. The rapid pace of change seen in these areas will continue, and it is imperative that mental health professionals contribute to the debate.