NCJ Number
239534
Date Published
2010
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This document presents information on what juvenile and family court judges should know about youth with learning disabilities who are involved with the juvenile justice system.
Abstract
This brief from the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges highlights seven things that juvenile and family court judges should know about youth with learning disabilities who are involved with the juvenile justice system. Previous research has shown that learning disabilities can be linked to youth delinquency and that these kinds of disabilities are one of the most prevalent among the juvenile court population. First, the brief begins with the Federal definition of what constitutes a learning disability. Second, the brief addresses the fact that youth with learning disabilities are more likely to be involved in the juvenile justice system. Third, the brief discusses three hypotheses for why youth with learning disabilities are overrepresented in the justice system. Fourth, the brief discusses laws that have been enacted to protect the rights of youth with learning disabilities. Fifth, the brief discusses the special considerations that youth with identified learning disabilities are entitled to receive in schools and in court. Sixth, the brief discusses how the juvenile justice system can and should coordinate with the school system throughout a youth's adjudication process. Finally, the brief discusses available strategies that the juvenile justice system can use with youth with learning disabilities. A resource list provides information on organizations and government agencies that can assist and support youth with learning disabilities. Endnotes