Mental health needs of young offenders in custody and in the community.

Background: Research has revealed high levels of mental health needs in young offenders but many studies have been small, focusing on specific populations.

Aims: To evaluate the mental health and psychosocial needs of a nationally representative sample of juvenile offenders in England and Wales, including female offenders and those from Black and minority ethnic groups.

Method: A cross-sectional survey of 301 young offenders, 151 in custody and 150 in the community, was conducted in six geographically representative areas across England and Wales.