NCJ Number
76599
Date Published
1981
Length
0 pages
Annotation
The characteristics and handling of mentally retarded juvenile offenders are discussed at the 1981 National Conference on Juvenile Justice.
Abstract
A consultant on mental retardation explains that about 3 percent of the total population is mentally retarded and that the recognition of retarded juvenile offenders is often difficult. Many remain unidentified and are treated as normal youths in the justice system. Some of the common characteristics of such offenders are reviewed. A participant in Houston's Criminal Justice Project (Texas), which aims to identify and to arrange for the treatment of mentally retarded juvenile offenders, reviews further characteristics, such as an inability to determine the future consequences of an action. She explains that careful evaluation is required to recognize the problem. Different resources available to help in treatment of the offender are reviewed, including family members and church and social organizations. Although treatment in the home can be effective, short-term placement is often beneficial. A table of contents is included.