NCJ Number
113092
Date Published
1987
Length
88 pages
Annotation
This study assessed the service needs of mentally handicapped young adults receiving services from the New Jersey Department of Youth and Family Services in 1986.
Abstract
A review was conducted of case records for 357 individuals, 16 to 21 years old. The profile of these youth indicate that many have serious behavioral and emotional problems, often related to parental maltreatment. The vast majority have educational deficits, belong to a racial minority, and were separated from their parents at the time of review. Many come from multiproblem families, with family violence, substance abuse, and marital disruption being frequent. Other common behavioral problems found in 30 to 50 percent of the sample included low self-esteem and poor self-image, hostility, aggression, truancy, running away, depression, and sexually inappropriate behaviors. Youth in the sample were judged to need an average of nine services, but received only five. Educational and vocational programs were needed by 96 percent, social services by 84 percent, survival skills by 81 percent, and financial aid or in-kind assistance by 80 percent. A review of case plans indicated that they are often vague, do not take strengths and weaknesses of the client into account, and often are not implemented. Community input identified major deficiencies in the areas of housing, service coordination, funding and staffing, and program availability. Recommendations are made for improving service delivery to these young adults in transition. 27 tables and approximately 150 references.