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.
