Despite the high prevalence of mental, neurological, and substance use disorders, youth in India’s juvenile care and correctional facilities have limited access to mental health services. Lack of trained staff and poor linkages to mental health and other supportive services undermines the goal of correctional facilities to rehabilitate and reintegrate youth back into the community and reduce recidivism. Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF) will create youth-friendly spaces (YFS) within care and correctional facilities to improve mental health literacy and linkages to services for youth. Mental wellbeing activities within the YFS will support youth in building positive life skills and resilience through experiential learning. Facility staff will be trained in managing an assessment, treatment, and management cascade and clear referral pathways to locally available mental health services.
