NCJ Number
88305
Editor(s)
M B Santamour,
P S Watson
Date Published
1982
Length
537 pages
Annotation
This text presents 39 papers investigating the nature of retardation, available services, and the need for special programs for such handicapped offenders, as well as highlighting the criminal justice system's inability to recognize behavior that signals a need for special evaluation of an accused person.
Abstract
Following overviews of mental retardation, juvenile justice, and criminal justice, eight papers highlight current research and legislation, focusing on retarded youth in Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Juvenile Court, the retarded juvenile offender in New Jersey, and a Texas research project on the mentally retarded offender. Law enforcement and court proceedings for mentally retarded offenders are also discussed, as well as issues relating to competence, culpability, and sentencing. Papers on habilitative program development, a community-based day program for retarded juvenile offenders, and a recreational program for retarded adult offenders are among those discussing training and programming. Others describe the probation experience for retarded adult offenders, the rights of developmentally disabled juvenile offenders in institutions, and the Sandhills Program for youthful offenders in North Carolina. Papers on interagency coordination conclude the text. Figures, chapter notes, and about 220 references are supplied. For separate papers, see NCJ 88306-88328.