The juvenile population in Texas, especially among minorities, is
one of the fastest growing in the United States. This growth will significantly
impact the number of children and adolescents with mental disorders
(Snyder and Sickmund, 1999, p. 2).
- Between 1995 and 2015, persons under age 18 in the U.S. is expected
to increase by 8 percent.
- Between 1995 and 2015, Texas will experience some of the largest
percent (25-35 percent) increases in juvenile populations.
- The U.S. population of juvenile minorities is expected to have
the most growth between 1995 and 2015. The number of African-American
juveniles is expected to increase 19 percent, Native American juveniles
17 percent, and Asian/Pacific Islander juveniles 74 percent, while
Anglo juveniles will increase 3 percent. Juveniles of Hispanic ethnicity
are expected to increase 59 percent.
Texas with 37 percent is third behind New Mexico (48 percent) and
California (40 percent) with the largest proportion of Hispanics in
their juvenile populations in 1997 (Snyder and Sickmund, 1999, p. 4).
While Texas is expected to be one of the states with the largest
growth of juveniles, it is also one of the states with the highest
poverty rates for juveniles (Snyder and Sickmund, 1999, p. 5). As reported
in the overview of this report, Travis County has experienced rapid
growth over the past decade. The growth of juveniles in Texas and subsequently
in Travis County has and will continue to impact mental health services
and supports. Compounded with poverty and the growing Hispanic population,
there will be a higher number of children and adolescents at risk for
mental disorders that need culturally competent services and supports.
Specific data of common mental disorders will be provided in the next
section.
