A scoping review of 18 articles found that all identified SRH interventions with youth in U.S. juvenile detention facilities showed 'some combination of positive results,' but the minimal number of research interventions underscores a significant gap in the existing literature.
Key Findings
Results
Only 18 articles met inclusion criteria for SRH interventions with youth in U.S. juvenile detention facilities, indicating a significant gap in the literature.
The search covered electronic databases for publications published through March 2024.
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) for scoping reviews guidelines were used.
Search terms were designed to find intervention studies focusing on SRH in U.S. juvenile detention facilities specifically.
The authors describe the minimal number of research interventions as underscoring 'a significant gap in the existing literature.'
Results
All 18 identified studies found some combination of positive results for sexual and reproductive health interventions in juvenile detention facilities.
Every article identified in the review reported at least some positive outcomes.
No studies were identified that reported exclusively null or negative results.
The universally positive findings suggest interventions in this setting can be effective, though the small number of studies limits generalizability.
Results
The majority of intervention studies focused on sexual risk behaviors in combination with sexually transmitted infections, substance use, or partner violence, rather than SRH knowledge and attitudes alone.
Some intervention content focused on SRH knowledge and attitudes.
The majority of studies addressed sexual risk behaviors combined with at least one additional health issue: STIs, substance use, or partner violence.
This reflects the co-occurring and intersecting health risks faced by youth in juvenile detention settings.
Background
Youth in U.S. juvenile detention facilities face multilevel barriers contributing to disparate sexual and reproductive health outcomes compared to the general adolescent population.
The authors characterize youth in detention facilities as a 'structurally vulnerable population.'
The review highlights negative health outcomes specifically for juveniles in detention facilities.
Barriers are described as operating at multiple levels, though specific barrier types are not enumerated in the abstract.
Conclusions
The scoping review identified a need for more evidence-based SRH interventions and recommendations for SRH care in juvenile detention settings.
The stated aim of the review was to 'focus on the current state of SRH and identify recommendations for SRH care.'
The authors note that 'minimal information is available about evidence-based interventions that have been effective in changing these outcomes.'
The findings underscore a call for expanded research and intervention development targeting this population.
What This Means
This research reviewed the scientific literature on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programs offered to young people held in juvenile detention facilities across the United States. The researchers systematically searched databases for studies published through March 2024 and found only 18 studies that qualified for inclusion — a strikingly small number given how many young people pass through the juvenile justice system each year. Every one of those 18 studies reported at least some positive outcomes from their interventions, suggesting that when programs are implemented, they can make a difference.
The studies that did exist tended to address sexual risk behaviors alongside related issues like sexually transmitted infections, substance use, or relationship violence, rather than focusing on knowledge and attitudes about sexual health alone. This reflects the reality that young people in detention often face multiple overlapping health and social challenges at once. However, the small overall number of studies means there is very limited guidance available for facilities trying to implement evidence-based SRH programs.
This research suggests there is a major gap in scientific knowledge about how to best support the sexual and reproductive health of youth in juvenile detention — a group already facing significant disadvantages compared to other teenagers. The authors highlight that this population is structurally vulnerable, meaning their circumstances (including incarceration itself) create conditions that worsen health outcomes. More research and more targeted interventions are needed to address these disparities.
McNeill-Johnson A, Glenn J, Daniel N, Menon M, Aboul-Enein B, Kelly P, et al.. (2025). A Scoping Review of Sexual and Reproductive Health Interventions With Youth in U.S. Juvenile Facilities.. The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.12.012