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Learning Disabilities and the Juvenile Justice System

NCJ Number
101984
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 37 Issue: 3 Dated: (1986) Pages: complete issue
Editor(s)
M R Mildon
Date Published
1986
Length
95 pages
Annotation
These articles examine the nature, identification, impact, and remediation of learning disabilities (LD's), with special attention to the link between LD and juvenile delinquency and its implications for the juvenile justice system.
Abstract
A general definition of LD is provided and specific types of LD's are described. Psychological, educational, and social consequences of LD are discussed, and theory and research establishing a link between LD and juvenile delinquency is reviewed. Results of an evaluation of remedial therapy with LD delinquents are summarized that indicate that therapy can improve academic achievement of LD youth and that highlight the importance of the teacher-student relationship and individualization of treatment. The importance of assessment in LD is emphasized, and descriptions are provided of commonly used diagnostic tests of intelligence, academic achievement, perceptual function, language, and adaptive behavior. Court procedures for handling the LD youth are specified, with special attention to the need for knowledgeable court personnel and multidisciplinary, interagency cooperation. Guidelines and a checklist for intake screening for LD also are provided. Substantive and procedural rights of LD children are delineated, and pertinent case law and Federal legislation in this area are reviewed, including the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. Finally, 10 remedial programs for LD delinquents and status offenders are described. Glossary, index, and 66-item bibliography