NCJ Number
149410
Date Published
1991
Length
79 pages
Annotation
This report presents the results of a 1991 Minnesota survey of juveniles in corrections/detention centers, alternative school/area learning centers, and residential treatment centers.
Abstract
The 1989 Minnesota Student Survey obtained data designed to profile adolescent life for students in grades 6, 9, and 12 in regular school districts. A slightly revised version of the 1989 survey was administered during the spring of 1991 to 3,573 students in Minnesota alternative schools, area learning centers, residential treatment centers, and corrections/detention centers. Researchers were then able to draw some conclusions about the adolescents in these special populations and to compare them with the 91,175 juveniles who participated in the 1989 statewide survey. The study focused on six environmental stressors (family alcohol problems, family drug problems, experiencing or witnessing physical abuse, and intrafamilial and extrafamilial sexual abuse. Students in alternative schools and area learning centers were three times more likely than regular school students to report at least three such problems. Adolescents in corrections/detention centers and residential treatment centers were six times more likely than regular school students to have had at least three of these problems. Far more than any difficulties with school, what distinguishes the special populations from other public school students are higher rates of antisocial behavior, early sexual activity, alcohol and other drug abuse, and suicide attempts. Several risk behaviors acknowledged more often by adolescents in special populations merit increased concern; daily alcohol or other drug use and daily cigarette smoking. These adolescents are four times more likely than regular students to report a history of intravenous drug use and to indicate that their sexual behavior has resulted in pregnancy. These findings indicate the need for a broad range of educational, mental health, social, and medical services to assist in the positive development of youth in these special populations. Extensive figures and tables and 11 references