NCJ Number
169562
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 39 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1997) Pages: 247-273
Date Published
1997
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This study examines demographic and criminal case variables that distinguish youths referred for medical and psychological assessment from non-referred youths.
Abstract
Section 13(1) of the Young Offenders Act provides only a vague description of the circumstances that warrant referral of a youth for medical and psychological assessment. Judges must therefore make referral decisions with little explicit guidance, basing them upon largely unknown factors. This study examined court records of 190 youths (95 referred, 95 non-referred) adjudicated at the Vancouver, BC, Youth Court. Referred individuals tended to be white youths charged with several offenses, at least one of which was an offense against person. Referred youths had substantial behavioral and psychological problems, becoming court-involved at a younger age than non-referred youths. Youths perceived as high-risk for recidivism were more likely to be referred. Amendments to the Act should result in referral and, as a result, the system could become overloaded. Tables, note, references