NCJ Number
169559
Journal
Adolescence Volume: 32 Issue: 126 Dated: (Summer 1997) Pages: 451-462
Date Published
1997
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper explores the influence of learning disabilities on the participation of youths in the juvenile justice system.
Abstract
The article explains and discusses the importance of early placement of learning disabled youths in public schools and in correctional education programs. In addition, it suggests social and academic skill remediation as a means of preventing learning disabled youths from dropping out of school before incarceration, or of returning to crime upon release from incarceration. Although juveniles may fail to make the association between educational achievement and opportunities for future employment, they do possess monetary ambitions. Additionally, research has shown that "the gap between economic goals and educational expectations was more effective in predicting the prevalence of serious utilitarian than serious nonutilitarian delinquency." In both public schools and correctional centers, special needs youth often are not evaluated and thus lack special educational services. Procedures should be implemented to identify students who may be at risk. Figures, references