Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Youthful Offending and Delinquency: The Comorbid Impact of Maltreatment, Mental Health Problems, and Learning Disabilities

  • Published:
Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A majority of adolescents formally involved in juvenile court have at least one, if not more than one, significant emotional or learning impairment, or maltreatment experience. This is particularly true in juvenile detention and incarceration facility populations. While this problem is increasingly recognized within the juvenile justice system and social work profession, often the impact and correlation to delinquency of these child and youth difficulties is underestimated. This paper reviews the links from mental health disorders, learning (and academic-related) disabilities, and maltreatment victimizations to delinquent and serious youthful offending behaviors, and provides successful collaboration outcome examples to address this problem. The most difficult challenge to juvenile courts and youth-caring systems is working with adolescents and families with comorbid difficulties, for this group is most at risk for incarceration and involvement with the adult criminal justice system.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abram, K. M., Teplin, L. A., McClelland, G. M., & Dulcan, M. K. (2003). Comorbid psychiatric disorders in youth detention. Archives of General Psychiatry, 60, 1097–1108.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Administration for Children and Families. (2010). Child maltreatment 2009. Washington, DC: US Department of Health and Human Services.

    Google Scholar 

  • Administration for Children and Families. (2011). National child abuse and neglect data system (NCANDS). Washington, DC: US Department of Health and Human Services.

    Google Scholar 

  • Altarac, M., & Saroha, E. (2007). Lifetime prevalence of learning disability among US children. Pediatrics, 119, 577–584.

    Google Scholar 

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders IV–TR. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2009). Detention reform: An effective approach to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in juvenile justice. Baltimore, MD: Annie E. Casey Foundation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Armstrong, K. H., Dedrick, R. F., & Greenbaum, P. E. (2003). Factors associated with community adjustment of young adults with serious emotional disturbances: A longitudinal analysis. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 11, 66–76.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barkley, R. A. (1996). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In E. Mash & R. Barkley (Eds.), Child psychopathology (pp. 63–112). New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law. (2003). Teaming up: Using the IDEA and Medicaid to secure comprehensive mental health services for children and youth. Washington, DC: Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bender, K. (2009). Why do some maltreated youth become juvenile offenders? A call for further investigation and adaption of youth services. Children Youth Services Review, 32, 466–473.

    Google Scholar 

  • Breda, C. S. (1995). Delinquency and mental illness: The intersection of problems and systems. In C. J. Liberton, K. Kutash, & R. M. Friedman (Eds.), 8th Annual Conference Proceedings: A System of Care for Children’s Mental Health: Expanding the Research Base. Tampa, FL: Research and Training Center for Children’s Mental health, Florida Mental Health Institute.

  • Brunelle, N., Brochu, S., & Cousineau, M. (2000). Drug-crime relations among drug-consuming juvenile delinquents: A tripartite model. Contemporary Drug Problems, 27(4), 835–867.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bryant, E. S., Rivard, J., & Cowan, T. M. (1994). Frequency and correlates of juvenile justice system involvement among children and adolescents with severe emotional disturbance. In C. J. Liberton, K. Kutash, & R. M. Friedman (Eds), 7th Annual Conference Proceedings: A System of Care for Children’s Mental Health: Expanding the Research Base. Tampa, FL: Research and Training Center for Children’s Mental Health, Florida Mental Health Institute.

  • Buffington, K., Pierkhising, C. B., & Marsh, S. (2010). Ten things every juvenile court judge should know about trauma and delinquency. Reno, NV: National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burley, M., & Halpern, M. (2001). Educational attainment of foster youth: Achievement and graduation outcomes for children in state care. Olympia, WA: Washington State Institute for Public Policy.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burrell, S., & Warboys, L. (2000). Special education and the juvenile justice system. Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cauffman, E. (2004). A statewide assessment of mental health symptoms among juvenile offenders in detention. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 43, 430–439.

    Google Scholar 

  • Center for Juvenile Justice Reform. (2011). Crossover youth practice model. Washington, DC: Georgetown University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2008a). 2007, US suicide injury deaths and rates per 100,000. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Google Scholar 

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2008b). Reducing psychological harm from traumatic events: Cognitive behavior therapy for children and adolescents (individual & group), guide to community preventive services. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chassin, L. (2008). Juvenile justice and substance abuse. The Future of Children, 18(2), 165–184.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Child Trends. (2010). Teen homicide, suicide, and firearm deaths. Washington, DC: Child Trends.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cocozza, J., & Skowyra, K. (2000). Youth with mental health disorders: Issues and emerging responses. Juvenile Justice Journal, 7(1), 3–13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Code of Federal Regulations. (2011). 34 C.F.R. § 300.8(c)(10)(1); 300.8(c)(10)(i-ii).

  • Coleman, M. S. (2004). Children left behind: The educational status and needs of youth living in foster care in Ohio. Washington, DC: National Center for Research and Data, The Child Welfare League of America.

    Google Scholar 

  • Conger, D., & Rebeck, A. (2001). How children’s foster care experiences affect their education. New York: Vera Institute for Justice.

    Google Scholar 

  • Costello, J. E., Mustillo, S., Keeler, G., & Angold, A. (2004). Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in childhood and adolescence. In B. L. Levin, J. Petrila, & K. D. Hennessy (Eds.), Mental health services: A public health perspective (2nd ed., pp. 111–128). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Council for Learning Disabilities. (2011). Comprehensive assessment and evaluation of students with learning disabilities. Learning Disability Quarterly, 34(1), 3–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Courtney, M. E., Roderick, M., Smithgall, C., Gladden, R. M., & Nagaoka, J. (2004). The educational status of foster children. Chicago, IL: Chapin Hall Center for Children.

    Google Scholar 

  • Croysdale, A., Drerup, A., Bewsey, K., & Hoffman, N. (2008). Correlates of victimization in a juvenile justice population. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 17(1), 103–117.

    Google Scholar 

  • Currie, J., & Tekin, E. (2006). Does child abuse cause crime?. Atlanta, GA: Andrew Young School of Public Policy, Research Paper Studies, Georgia State University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis, A., Tsukida, C., Marchionna, S., & Krisberg, B. (2008). The declining number of youth in custody in the juvenile justice system. Oakland, CA: National Council on Crime and Delinquency.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dembo, R., Wareham, J., Poythress, N., Meyers, K., & Schmeidler, (2008). Psychosocial functioning problems over time among high-risk youth: A latent class transition analysis. Crime & Delinquency, 54(4), 644–670.

    Google Scholar 

  • Doren, B., Bullis, M., & Benz, M. R. (1996). Predicting the arrest status of adolescents with disabilities in transition. The Journal of Special Education, 29(4), 363–380.

    Google Scholar 

  • Douglas, K. S., Herbozo, S., Poythress, N. G., Belfrage, H., & Edens, J. F. (2006). Psychopathy and suicide: A multisample investigation. Psychological Services, 3(2), 97–116.

    Google Scholar 

  • Epstein, J. A., & Spirito, A. (2009). Risk factors for suicidality among a nationally representative sample of high school students. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 39(3), 241–251.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Esposito, C., & Clum, G. (1999). Specificity of depressive symptoms and suicidality in juvenile delinquent population. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 21, 171–182.

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans, E., Hawton, K., & Rodham, K. (2004). Factors associated with suicidal phenomena in adolescents: A systematic review of population-based studies. Clinical Psychology Review, 24, 957–979.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fazel, S., Doll, H., & Langstrom, N. (2008). Mental disorders among adolescents in juvenile detention and correctional facilities: A systematic review and metaregression analysis of 25 surveys. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 47(9), 1010–1019.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice. (2010). Annual report 2010. Washington, DC: Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ford, J. D., Chapman, J. F., Hawke, J., & Albert, D. (2007). Trauma among youth in the juvenile justice system: Critical issues and new directions. Delmar, NY: National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frick, P. J. (1998). Conduct disorder and severe antisocial behavior. New York: Plenum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frothingham, T. E., Hobbs, C. J., Wynne, J. M., Yee, L., Goyal, A., & Wadsworth, D. J. (2000). Follow up study eight years after diagnosis of sexual abuse. Archives of the Disabled Child, 83, 132–134.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gallagher, C., & Dobrin, A. (2005). The association between suicide screening practices and attempts requiring emergency care in juvenile justice facilities. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 44(5), 485–493.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garland, A. F., Hough, R. L., McCabe, K. M., Yeh, M., Wood, P. A., & Aarons, G. (2001). Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in youths across five sectors of care. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 49(4), 409–426.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goerge, R. M., VanVoorhis, J., Grant, S., Casey, K., & Robinson, M. (1992). Special education experiences of foster children: An empirical study. Child Welfare, 71, 419–437.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldstein, N., Olubadewo, O., Redding, R., & Lexcen, F. (2005). Mental health disorders: The neglected risk factor in juvenile delinquency. In K. Heilbrum (Ed.), Juvenile delinquency: Prevention, assessment and intervention (pp. 85–110). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gould, M. S., Greenberg, T., Velting, D. M., & Shaffer, D. (2003). Youth suicide risk and preventive interventions: A review of the past 10 years. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 42, 386–405.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Graham, T., & Corcoran, K. (2003). Mental health screening results for Native American and Euro-American youth in Oregon juvenile justice settings. Psychological Reports, 92(3), 1053–1060.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gray, D., Achilles, J., Keller, T., Tate, D., Haggard, L., Rolfs, R., et al. (2002). Utah youth suicide study, phase 1: Government agency contact before death. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 41(4), 427–434.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Green, B., & Ritter, C. (2000). Marijuana use and depression. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 41(1), 40–49.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grisso, T. (2008). Adolescent offenders with mental disorders. The Future of Children, 18(2), 143–162.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hamilton, C. E., Falshaw, L., & Browne, K. D. (2002). The link between recurrent maltreatment and offending behavior. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 46, 75–94.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins, J. D., Herrenkohl, T. I., Farrington, D. P., Brewer, D., Catalano, R. F., Harachi, T. W., et al. (2000). Predictors of youth violence. Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hayes, L. (2009). Characteristics of juvenile suicide in confinement. Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hennessey, M., Ford, J. D., Mahoney, K., Ko, S. J., & Siegfried, C. B. (2004). Trauma among girls in the juvenile justice system. Los Angeles, CA: National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hockenberry, S., Sickmund, M., & Sladky, A. (2010). Juvenile residential facility census, 2006: Selected findings. Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holman, B., & Ziedenberg, J. (2006). The dangers of detention: The impact of incarcerating youth in detention and other secure congregate facilities. Baltimore, MD: The Annie E. Casey Foundation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holsinger, K., & Holsinger, A. (2005). Differential pathways to violence and self-injurious behavior: African American and white girls in the juvenile justice system. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 42, 211–242.

    Google Scholar 

  • Howell, J. C. (2003). Preventing & reducing juvenile delinquency: A comprehensive framework. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huizinga, D., Loeber, R., Thornberry, T. P., & Cothern, L. (2000). Co-occurrence of delinquency and other problem behaviors. Washington, DC: Juvenile Justice Bulletin, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, US Department of Justice.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hyames, S., & de Hames, M. V. (2000). Educational experiences and achievement of children and youth in the care of the department receiving services from Chicago public schools. Urbana-Champaign, IL: Children and Family Resource Center, University of Illinois.

    Google Scholar 

  • Katsiyannis, A., & Archwamety, T. (1997). Factors related to recidivism among delinquent youths in a state correctional facility. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 6(1), 43–55.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keleher, T. (2000). Racial disparities related to school zone tolerance policies. Testimony to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. New York, NY: Applied Research Center.

  • Kessler, R. C., Berglund, P., Demler, O., Jin, R., Merikangas, K. R., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV Disorders in the national comorbidity survey replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 593–602.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kilpatrick, D. G., Ruggiero, K. J., Acierno, R., Saunders, B. E., Resnick, H. S., & Best, C. L. (2003). Violence and risk of PTSD, major depression, substance abuse/dependence, and comorbidity: Results from the national survey of adolescents. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychiatry, 71, 692–700.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kinscherff, R. (2012). A primer for mental health practitioners working with youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Washington, DC: Technical Assistance Partnership for Child and Family Mental Health.

    Google Scholar 

  • Knoll, C., & Sickmund, M. (2010). Delinquency cases in juvenile court, 2007. Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kress, J. S., & Elias, M. J. (1993). Substance abuse prevention in special education populations: Review and recommendations. Journal of Special Education, 27(1), 35–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kvarfordt, C. L., Purcell, P., & Shannon, P. (2005). Youth with learning disabilities in the juvenile justice system: A training needs assessment of detention and court services personnel. Child & Youth Care Forum, 34(1), 27–42.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lansford, J., Dodge, K. A., Pettit, G. S., Bates, J. E., Crozier, J., & Kaplow, J. (2002). Maltreatment on psychological, behavioral, and academic problems in adolescence. Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, 156, 824–830.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lederman, C. S., Dakol, G. A., Larrea, M. A., & Li, H. (2004). Characteristics of adolescent females in juvenile detention. International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 27, 321–337.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leiter, J. (2007). School performance trajectories after the advent of reported maltreatment. Children and Youth Services Review, 29, 363–382.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leiter, J., & Johnson, M. (1997). Child maltreatment and school performance declines: An event-history analysis. American Educational Research Journal, 34(3), 563–589.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lemmon, J. H. (2006). The effects of maltreatment recurrence and child welfare services on dimensions of delinquency. Criminal Justice Review, 31(1), 5–32.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lemmon, J. H. (2009). How child maltreatment affects dimensions of juvenile delinquency in a cohort of low-income urban males. Justice Quarterly, 16, 357–376.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leone, P. E., & Weinberg, L. (2010). Addressing the unmet educational needs of children and youth in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Washington, DC: Center for Juvenile Justice Reform, Georgetown University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lexcon, F., & Redding, R. E. (2000). Mental health needs of juvenile offenders. Juvenile Correctional Mental Health Report, 3(1), 1, 2, 8–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lipsey, M. W., & Derzon, M. H. (1999). Predictors of violent or serious delinquency in adolescence and early adulthood: A synthesis of longitudinal research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Loeber, R., & Farrington, D. P. (2001). The significant concern of child delinquency. In R. Loeber & D. P. Farrington (Eds.), Child delinquents: Development, intervention, and service needs (pp. 1–22). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • MacKinnon-Lewis, C., Kaufman, M., & Frabutt, J. (2002). Juvenile justice and mental health: Youth and families in the middle. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 7(4), 353–363.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mallett, C. (2003). Socio-historical analysis of juvenile offenders on death row. Criminal Law Bulletin, 39(4), 455–468.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mallett, C. (2009). Disparate juvenile court outcomes for disabled delinquent youth: A social work call to action. Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, 26, 197–207.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mallett, C. (2011). Seven things juvenile courts should know about learning disabilities. Reno, NV: National Council of Juvenile and Family Judges.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mallett, C., & Julian, L. (2008). Alternatives for youth’s advocacy program: Effectively reducing minority youth’s detention and incarceration placements in Cleveland, Ohio. Juvenile and Family Court Journal, 59(3), 1–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mallett, C., & Stoddard-Dare, P. (2009). Maltreated children who are adjudicated delinquent: An at-risk profile. International Journal of Child and Family Welfare, 2(4), 134–144.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malmgren, K., Abbott, R., & Hawkins, D. (1999). Learning disability and delinquency: Rethinking the “link”. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 32, 194–200.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Matta-Oshima, K. M., Huang, J., Jonson-Reid, M., & Drake, B. (2010). Children with disabilities in poor households: Association with juvenile and adult offending. Social Work Research, 34(2), 102–113.

    Google Scholar 

  • McReynolds, L. S., Wasserman, G. A., DeComo, R. E., John, R., Keating, J. M., & Nolen, S. (2008). Psychiatric disorder in a juvenile assessment center. Crime & Delinquency, 54(2), 313–334.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mears, D. P., & Aron, L. Y. (2003). Addressing the needs of youth with disabilities in the juvenile justice system: The current state of knowledge. Washington, DC: Urban Institute, Justice Policy Center.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mears, D. P., & Kelly, W. R. (1999). Assessments and intake processes in juvenile justice processing; Emerging policy considerations. Crime & Delinquency, 45, 508–529.

    Google Scholar 

  • Memory, J. (1989). Juvenile suicides in secure detention facilities: Correction of published rates. Death Studies, 13, 455–463.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mendel, R. (2011). No place for kids: The case for reducing juvenile incarceration. Baltimore, MD: The Annie E. Casey Foundation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moffitt, T. E., Caspi, A., Rutter, M., & Silva, P. A. (2001). Sex differences in antisocial behavior: Conduct disorder, delinquency, and violence in the Dundedin longitudinal study. New York: Cambridge University Press.

  • Moffitt, T. E., & Scott, S. (2008). Conduct disorders of childhood & adolescence. In M. Rutter (Ed.), Child Psychiatry (Chapter 35). London: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Center for Child Traumatic Stress. (2009). Child sexual abuse: Coping with the emotional stress of the legal system. Los Angeles, CA: UCLA.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. (2000). Substance abuse and learning disabilities: Peas in a pod or apples and oranges?. New York: The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Center on Education, Disability, and Juvenile Justice. (2001). Juvenile correctional education programs. College Park, MD: National Center on Education, Disability and Juvenile Justice.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). (2008). Child welfare trauma training tool kit: Comprehensive guide (2nd ed.). Los Angeles, CA: National Center for Child Traumatic Stress.

    Google Scholar 

  • Neighbors, B., Kempton, T., & Forehand, R. (1992). Co-occurrence of substance abuse with conduct, anxiety, and depression disorders in juvenile delinquents. Addictive Behaviours, 17, 379–386.

    Google Scholar 

  • New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. (2003). Achieving the promise: Transforming mental health care in America, Final Report. Washington, DC: US Department of Health and Human Services.

    Google Scholar 

  • Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. (2011). Statistical briefing book. Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice.

    Google Scholar 

  • Penn, J., Esposito, C., Schaeffer, L., Fritz, G., & Spirito, A. (2003). Suicide attempts and self-multivariate behavior in a juvenile correctional facility. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 42(7), 121–135.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perez, C., & Widom, C. S. (1994). Childhood victimization and long term intellectual and academic outcomes. Child Abuse & Neglect, 18, 617–633.

    Google Scholar 

  • Petro, J. (2008). Increasing collaboration and coordination of the child welfare and juvenile justice systems to better serve dual jurisdiction youth: A literature review. Washington, DC: Child Welfare League of America.

    Google Scholar 

  • Piquero, A. (2008). Disproportionate minority contact. The Future of Children, 18(2), 59–79.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Putnins, A. L. (2005). Correlates and predictors of self-reported suicide attempts among incarcerated youths. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 49, 143–157.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Puzzanchera, C. (2009). Juvenile Arrests 2008. Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice.

    Google Scholar 

  • Quinn, M. M., Rutherford, R. B., Leone, P. E., Osher, D. M., & Poirier, J. M. (2005). Youth with disabilities in juvenile corrections: A national survey. Exceptional Children, 71(3), 339–345.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reddy, L. A. (2001). Serious emotional disturbance in children and adolescents: Current status and future directions. Behavior Therapy, 32, 667–691.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reddy, L. A., & Richardson, L. (2006). School-based prevention and intervention programs for children with emotional disturbance. Education and Treatment of Children, 29, 1–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosenblatt, J. A., Rosenblatt, A. R., & Biggs, E. E. (2000). Criminal behavior and emotional disorder: Comparing youth served by the mental health and juvenile justice systems. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 27(2), 227–237.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rozalski, M., Deignan, M., & Engel, S. (2008). The world of juvenile justice according to the numbers. Reading and Writing Quarterly: Overcoming Learning Difficulties, 24, 143–147.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rutherford, R. B., Nelson, C. M., & Wolford, B. I. (1985). Special education in the most restrictive environment: Correctional/special education. Journal of Special Education, 19, 59–71.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rutter, M. (2007). Psychopathological development across adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 36, 101–110.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, J. P., Herz, D., Hernandez, P., & Marshall, J. (2007). Maltreatment and delinquency: Investigating child welfare bias in juvenile justice processing. Children and Youth Services Review, 29, 1035–1050.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scarborough, A., & McCrae, J. (2009). School-age special education outcomes of infants and toddlers investigated for maltreatment. Children and Youth Services Review, 32(1), 80–88.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scott, M., Snowden, L., & Libby, A. M. (2002). From mental health to juvenile justice: What factors predict this transition? Journal of Child and Family Studies, 11(3), 299–311.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sebring, P. B., Allensworth, E., Bryk, A. S., Easton, J. Q., & Luppescu, S. (2006). The essential supports for school improvement. Chicago, IL: Consortium on Chicago School Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sedlak, A. J., & McPherson, K. (2010). Survey of youth in residential placement: Youth’s needs and services. Washington, DC: Westat Corporation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shelton, D. (2004). Experiences of detained young offenders in need of mental health care. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 36, 129–133.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shufelt, J. L., & Cocozza, J. J. (2006). Youth with mental health disorders in the juvenile justice system: Results from a multi-state prevalence study. Delmar, NY: National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sickmund, M. (2009). Juveniles in residential placement, 1997–2008. Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice.

    Google Scholar 

  • Simpson, G. A., Bloom, B., Cohen, R. A., & Blumberg, S. (2005). US children with emotional and behavioral difficulties: Data from the, 2002, and 2003 National Health Interview Surveys. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Studies.

    Google Scholar 

  • Slade, E. P., & Wissow, L. S. (2007). The influence of childhood maltreatment on adolescents’ academic performance. Economics of Education Review, 26, 604–614.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, C. A., & Thornberry, T. O. (1995). The relationship between childhood maltreatment and adolescent involvement in delinquency. Criminology, 33(4), 451–481.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smithgall, C., Gladden, R. M., Howard, E., Goerge, R., & Courtney, M. E. (2004). Education experiences of children in out-of-home care. Chicago, IL: Chapin Hall Center for Children.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spain, A., & Waugh, R. (2005). Transition to and from facilities: Records transfer and maintenance. Washington, DC: National Evaluation and Technical Assistance Center for the Education of Children who are Neglected, Delinquent, or At Risk.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stone, S., D’Andrade, A., & Austin, M. (2007). Educational services for children in foster care: Common and contrasting perspectives of child welfare and education stakeholders. Journal of Public Child Welfare, 1(2), 53–70.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stouthamer-Loeber, M., Wei, E. H., Homish, D. L., & Loeber, R. (2002). Which family and demographic factors are related to both maltreatment and persistent serious juvenile delinquency? Children’s services: Social policy, research, and practice, 5(4), 261–272.

    Google Scholar 

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2008a). Trends in substance use, dependence or abuse, and treatment among adolescents: 2002–2007. Washington, DC: Office of Applied Studies, US Department of Health and Human Services.

    Google Scholar 

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2008b). Mental health, United States, 2008. Washington, DC: Center for Mental Health Services, US Department of Health and Human Services.

    Google Scholar 

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2010a). National survey on drug use and health: Summary of national findings. Washington, DC: Office of Applied Studies, US Department of Health and Human Services.

    Google Scholar 

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2010b). The dawn report: Emergency department visits for drug-related suicide attempts by adolescents: 2008. Washington, DC: Office of Applied Studies, US Department of Health and Human Services.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sum, A., Khatiwada, I., McLaughlin, J., & Palma, S. (2009). The consequences of dropping out of high school: Joblessness and jailing for high school dropouts and the high cost to taxpayers. Boston: Center for Labor Market Studies, Northeastern University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Teplin, L., Abram, K., McClelland, G., Dulcan, M., & Mericle, A. (2002). Psychiatric disorders in youth in juvenile detention. Archives of General Psychiatry, 59, 1133–1143.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Teplin, L., Abram, K., McClelland, G., Mericle, A., Dulcan, M., & Washburn, D. (2006). Psychiatric disorders of youth in detention. Washington, DC: Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, US Department of Justice.

    Google Scholar 

  • Theodore, L. A., Bray, M. A., & Kehle, T. J. (2004). A comparative study of group contingencies and randomized reinforcers to reduce disruptive classroom behavior. School Psychology Quarterly, 18, 253–271.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thompson, M., Ho, C., & Kingree, J. (2007). Prospective associations between delinquency and suicidal behaviors in a nationally representative sample. Journal of Adolescent Health, 40, 232–237.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tolou-Shams, M., Brown, L., Gordon, G., & Fernandez, I. (2007). Arrest history as an indicator of adolescent/young adult substance use and HIV risk. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 88, 87–90.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tuell, J. (2002). Child maltreatment and juvenile delinquency: Raising the level of awareness. Washington, DC: Child Welfare League of America.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner, H. A., Finkelhor, D., & Ormrod, R. (2006). The effect of lifetime victimization on the mental health of children and adolescents. Social Science & Medicine, 62, 13–27.

    Google Scholar 

  • US Department of Education. (2009). 28th Annual report to Congress on the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2006. Washington, DC: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Office of Special Education Programs.

    Google Scholar 

  • US Department of Education. (2010). 29th Annual report to Congress on the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2007 (table 1–9). Washington, DC: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Office of Special Education Programs.

    Google Scholar 

  • US Department of Health and Human Services. (2010). Child maltreatment 2008. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office.

    Google Scholar 

  • US Department of Justice. (2010). Juvenile correctional facilities settlements and court decisions. Washington, DC: Civil Rights Division, US Department of Justice.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vander-Stoep, A., Evans, C., & Taub, J. (1997). Risk of juvenile justice system referral among children in a public mental health system. Journal of Mental Health Administration, 24, 421–428.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vaughn, M. G., Wallace, J. M., Davis, L. E., Fernandes, G. T., & Howard, M. O. (2008). Variations in mental health problems, substance use, and delinquency between African American and Caucasian juvenile offenders: Implications for reentry services. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 53, 311–329.

    Google Scholar 

  • Veltman, M. W., & Browne, K. D. (2001). Three decades of child maltreatment research: Implications for the school years. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 2(3), 215–239.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verrecchia, P. J., Fetzer, M. D., Lemmon, J. H., & Austin, T. L. (2010). An examination of direct and indirect effects of maltreatment dimensions and other ecological risk on persistent youth offending. Criminal Justice Review, 35(2), 220–243.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, X., Blomberg, T. G., & Li, S. D. (2005). Comparison of the educational deficiencies of delinquent and nondelinquent students. Evaluation Review A Journal of Applied Social Research, 29(4), 291–312.

    Google Scholar 

  • Washburn, J., Teplin, L., Voxx, L., Simon, C., Abram, K., & McClelland, G. (2008). Psychiatric disorders among detained youths: A comparison of youths processed in juvenile court and adult criminal court. Psychiatric Services, 59(9), 965–973.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Washington State Institute for Public Policy. (1998). Watching the bottom line: Cost-effective interventions for reducing crime in Washington. Olympia, WA: Evergreen State College.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wasserman, G. A., Keenan, K., Tremblay, R. E., Cole, J. D., Herrenkohl, T. I., Loeber, R., et al. (2003). Risk and protective factors of child delinquency. Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, US Department of Justice.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wasserman, G. A., McReynolds, L. S., Ko, S., Katz, L., & Carpenter, J. (2005). Gender differences in psychiatric disorders at juvenile probation intake. American Journal of Public Health, 95, 131–137.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wasserman, G. A., McReynolds, L. S., Lucas, C. P., Fisher, P., & Santos, L. (2002). The voice DISC-IV with incarcerated male youths: Prevalence of disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 41, 314–321.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wasserman, G. A., McReynolds, L. S., Musabegovic, H., Whited, A. L., Keating, J. M., & Huo, Y. (2009). Evaluating project connect: Improving juvenile probationers’ mental health and substance use services. Administration and Policy in Mental Health, 36, 393–405.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weinberg, N. Z., & Glantz, M. D. (1999). Child psychopathology risk factors for drug abuse: Overview. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 28(3), 290–297.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weinberg, L., Zetlin, A. G., & Shea, N. (2009). Removing barriers to educating children in foster care through interagency collaboration. Child Welfare, 88(4), 77–111.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • White, N. A., & Loeber, R. (2008). Bullying and special education as predictors of serious delinquency. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 45(4), 380–397.

    Google Scholar 

  • Widom, C. S. (1989). Child abuse, neglect, and violent criminal behavior. Criminology, 27(2), 251–271.

    Google Scholar 

  • Widom, C. S. (2003). Understanding child maltreatment and juvenile delinquency: The research. In J. Wiig, C. S. Widom, & J. A. Tuell (Eds.), Understanding child maltreatment & juvenile delinquency (pp. 1–10). Washington, DC: Child Welfare League of America Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Widom, C. S., & Maxfield, M. (2001). An update on the ‘Cycle of Violence’. Washington, DC: National Institute of Justice, US Department of Justice.

    Google Scholar 

  • Widom, C. S., & White, H. R. (1997). Problem behaviours in abused and neglected children grown up: Prevalence and co-occurrence of substance abuse, crime, and violence. Criminal Behaviour & Mental Health, 7(4), 287–310.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiggins, C., Fenichel, E., & Mann, T. (2007). Developmental problems of maltreated children and early intervention options for maltreated children. Washington, DC: US Department of Health and Human Services, Child Protective Services Project.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yun, I., Ball, J. D., & Lim, H. (2011). Disentangling the relationship between child maltreatment and violent delinquency: Using a nationally representative sample. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 26(1), 88–110.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zahn, M. A., Agnew, R., Fishbein, D., Miller, S., Winn, D., Dakoff, G., et al. (2010). Girls study group: Causes and correlates of girls’ delinquency. Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zolotor, A., Kotch, J., Dufort, V., Winsor, J., Catellier, C., & Bou-Saada, I. (1999). School performance in a longitudinal cohort of children at risk of maltreatment. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 3(1), 19–27.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, #CB324, Cleveland, OH, 44115-2214, USA

    Christopher A. Mallett

Authors
  1. Christopher A. Mallett
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Christopher A. Mallett.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Mallett, C.A. Youthful Offending and Delinquency: The Comorbid Impact of Maltreatment, Mental Health Problems, and Learning Disabilities. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 31, 369–392 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-013-0323-3

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-013-0323-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation