This measure represents the percent of youth in Juvenile Justice and Youth Services (JJYS), Youth Services Group Home/Shelter or Locked Detention who have all initial suicide screening assessments completed within 24 hours, for specified State Fiscal Year Quarters. Initial Screening assessments include, (1) Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument - Second Version (MAYSI-II), (2) PTSD Screening Inventory (PSI), and (3) Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). JJYS enrollment and service data are collected through the JJYS case management information system and screening assessment data are collected through the JJYS MAYSI and PSI-C information systems.

Results for this measure are updated quarterly, within 45 days after the end of each quarter.

From FY 2019 to FY 2025, the severity of mental health challenges among young people entering these programs significantly increased.

Specifically, the percentage of youth identified with moderate mental health indicators grew by 16.2% during this period. By FY 2025, this group represented over 67.3% of the young people served—more than two out of every three youths.

The increase was even more pronounced for young people with serious mental health indicators, which rose by 33.4%. In FY 2025, over 45.5% of youth entering these programs were identified with these more serious conditions. 
Early mental health screening is essential for effective intervention, as evidenced by research. All youth entering a Juvenile Justice Services (JJYS) facility complete screeners for mental health concerns, including trauma symptoms and suicide risk. These results guide staff in determining necessary treatment and precautions for each youth. Although factors such as staffing shortages and youth behavior can sometimes interfere with administration, JJYS aims for 100% of youth to complete these screeners within 24 hours of facility entry.