Disconnect Between Youths with Mental Health and Special Education Disabilities and Juvenile Court Outcomes

• NCJ Number: 225636
• Journal: Corrections Compendium Volume: 33 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2008 Pages: 1-4,33,34
• Author(s): Christopher A. Mallett
• Date Published: September 2008
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article reports findings from a study of probation supervised youths living in the community and compares risk factors and court outcomes for youths with and without disabilities.

Abstract

Results indicated that youth with disabilities when compared with youths without disabilities, included more White juveniles and more males. All youths in the study experienced one-parent families and lived in poverty much more frequently than non-delinquent youths nationwide. A youth with a special education disability was more likely to live in poverty than a youth with a mental health disorder. Mothers of youths with disabilities were significantly more likely to be substance abusers compared with the mothers of youths without disabilities. Parents of both groups were less likely to have graduated from high school. All youths were equally behind in school academic grades. Youths with mental health disorders, compared with youths with special education disabilities, were older but not different based on race, gender, family structure or poverty experienced. Fathers of youths with mental health disorders were significantly more likely to be substance abusers compared with fathers of youths with special education disabilities. Youths with disabilities averaged five separate delinquent offenses while youths without disabilities averaged only three. Disparity was found in the youths’ risk assessment scores and probation outcomes. Youths with disabilities had risk assessment scores that did not change over time, and they were twice as likely to be placed in a correctional facility. Youths with special education disabilities were most at risk for unsuccessful probation outcomes. There were no differences found in youths’ delinquency offenses, juvenile court dispositions or probation services. Data were collected from 233 adjudicated delinquent youths who received probations supervision from the Cuyahoga County (greater Cleveland) Juvenile Court in 2004 and 2005. Tables and references