| Criminal legal system-involved youth experience high rates of mental health problems(Beaudry et al., 2020; Grisso, 2004) and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) (Baglivioet al., 2014). Given thehigh rates of mental health diagnoses and maltreatment in this population, it is important that we understand to what extent system-involved youth are referred to mental health services and are able to access these services. However, there is limited research assessing referral rates orthe association between accessing services and reoffending. This study examined to what extent youths’ scores on the MAYSI-2, as a mental health measure, ACE scores, and demographic characteristics were associated with mental health service referral. It also examined the extent to which mental health scores, number of ACEs, and obtaining services predicted subsequent offending. Finally, this study examined associations among key demographic characteristics and both service referral and reoffending. The study included a sample of youth(N=409)who were at a juvenile detention facility in the rural mountain northwest. ACE scores and mental health were assessed with standardized forms during an intake interview at the time of detention. Higher ACE scores were associated with decreased referral to mental health services while in detention. Higher ACE scores and younger age were associated with reoffending. These findings suggest important next steps regarding how staff use mental health and adversity measures in the referral process and provide further support for ACEsas a risk factor for offending. Keywords: ACE, childhood adversity, MAYSI-2, mental health, recidivism, juvenile offenders, service referral |