PASTA
Also written as: PASTA — Psychological Assessment Screening Tool for Adolescents
Psychological Assessment Screening Tool for Adolescents - brief instrument for identifying mental health concerns and substance abuse risk in juvenile justice settings.
Full Definition
The Psychological Assessment Screening Tool for Adolescents is a validated screening instrument designed specifically for use in juvenile justice facilities to identify youth who require further mental health evaluation or immediate intervention. PASTA assesses suicide risk, mental health symptoms, substance abuse patterns, and trauma history through a structured interview format that can be administered by trained staff. The tool helps prioritize which youth need urgent psychological services and assists in making appropriate housing and treatment placement decisions. Results inform safety planning and help ensure that vulnerable youth receive appropriate mental health services while in custody or community supervision.
Usage
Usage note: Use all capitals. Not to be confused with similar juvenile assessment tools that focus on recidivism risk rather than mental health screening.
In Context
- "The PASTA screening identified several youth requiring immediate psychiatric evaluation upon intake to the detention facility." — Intake assessment report
- "PASTA results indicated elevated suicide risk, prompting placement in the facility's mental health unit." — Safety planning documentation