NCJ Number
207786
Date Published
2001
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This chapter examines conduct symptoms in children (ages 7-12) as a proxy for early-onset offending, since delinquent behavior is usually preceded by nondelinquent conduct problems, with a focus on the services provided for such children.
Abstract
The discussion of services for children who engage in problem behaviors addresses issues of access and service-use patterns, beginning with a review of the published research literature on services and efficacy that is relevant to child delinquents. It notes that most interventions for younger children focus on parents and may be home-based. An analysis of three recent studies addresses the characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, and comorbid conditions) of children with conduct symptoms or disorders who receive services; how these characteristics vary by service sector used (e.g., mental health, education, child welfare, and juvenile justice); and the types of services provided in the various sectors. The new material in this chapter consists of the examination of three recent studies on youth characteristics and service-use patterns. All three studies confirm the significant use of psychiatric hospitalization for adolescents with conduct disorders. Among the new findings from the studies were a lag time between symptom onset in young children and the rendering of services, the identification of the school system as the most likely intervention agent, and the extremely low involvement of the juvenile justice system in mental health interventions for juveniles. This latter finding gives concern because of the overrepresentation of ethnic minority youth in the juvenile justice system. The high cost of care was another new finding. Recommendations are offered for research and policy development likely to improve the services provided for children with conduct disorders. 10 tables