This report describes research on the links between mental health, everyday legal problems related to social welfare, and legal capability, as they relate to marginalized youth. Researchers found that young people not in education, employment, or training were between twice and five times as likely to experience mental health problems than other young people. Moreover, social determinants such as education and social inclusion operate disproportionately against the ability of marginalized youth to gain legal capability. The report concludes that social welfare legal problems should be considered as key social determinants of young people's mental health, and suggests investing in youth social services to address resulting gaps.
View a summary version of the report and findings here.