Abused, Neglected and Handicapped Children in the Juvenile Justice System

• NCJ Number: 160898
• Author(s): L Brown
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 21 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/NCJRS
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Based on a literature review, this study examines the prevalence and needs of juveniles in the juvenile justice system who have been abused and neglected and may be mentally handicapped; the response of the juvenile justice system to these youth is also analyzed, and recommendations for improvement are presented.

Abstract

Studies show that a significant percentage of children who have been abused in their homes eventually have contact with the juvenile justice system due to physical and/or emotional consequences of the abuse that lead to problem behaviors. Further, mentally retarded and learning-disabled youth are also under juvenile justice jurisdiction in significant percentages. The problem of dealing with the abused, neglected, and handicapped youth in the juvenile justice system is a major one due to the large numbers of children involved and the seriousness of the problems. Many court cases have established the "right to treatment." Without treatment, it is unlikely that a great many of these youth will develop into productive and law-abiding members of society. Much more must be done in the area of prevention. These multiple-problem youth should be identified by parents, the school system, and the social welfare community long before they act out in a way that brings them into the juvenile justice system. Training for teachers and diagnostic services in schools would be beneficial. Once in contact with the system, however, they must be diagnosed and be provided necessary treatment. Diagnostic efforts should be a regular part of the court intake process, so that consideration of the youth's needs can be a part of the process when disposition decisions are made. Probation should include the necessary services as well. Once in the correctional system, youth should have a thorough diagnostic workup and receive whatever treatment is necessary. So proper care can be offered, new programs, new methods, and in some cases, new facilities will be necessary. A resource list and 35 notes