Youth needs assessment published
March 25, 2021
With a focus on the needs of young people in detention and correctional facilities, a team of Health Management Associates (HMA) colleagues completed an in-depth assessment designed to guide future planning and decision making around mental health services for youth.
The project was completed for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) Division of Grants Administration (DGA), and the report, Mental Health Block Grant “Mini” Needs Assessment of Behavioral Health Needs Among Children in the Juvenile Justice System, outlines recommendations and next steps for stakeholders.
HMA conducted the assessment using electronic surveys, focus groups, key informant interviews, and an analysis of AHCCCS claims data resulting in 16 recommendations across three categories: data analytics and reporting, behavioral and mental health services, and culturally responsive and appropriate care.
In addition, HMA identified three priority areas that may have the greatest impact on the behavioral health needs of children in the juvenile justice system: care coordination, screening and assessment, and behavioral health services including individual counseling, and skill building.
The full report will guide work across the AHCCCS and was completed by HMA colleagues Helena Whitney, Brittany Thompson, Suzanne Rabideau, Barry Smith, Marc Richman, Mark Podrazik, Stephen Palmer, Iliana Gilman, Anne Winter, Ann Filiault, and former colleagues Kelsi Jackson and Emily James.
