go to top] DELINQUENCY PREVENTION ISSUES 14. Are youth with disabilities more likely to commit delinquent acts?
• The Overrepresentation of Youth with Disabilities (OYD) with the juvenile justice (JJ) system is well documented. Having a disability is a risk factor for contact with the JJ system. Theories that attempt to explain OYD include: school failure, susceptibility, differential treatment, and cognitive deficits. • Some delinquent behaviors are related to unknown, untreated, or inappropriately treated disabilities. Identifying disabilities and providing timely access to appropriate treatment and services can prevent further contact with the JJ system. • Youth in the JJ system are “disproportionately minority, impoverished, and poorly educated, and many lack social networks — characteristics known to limit the type and scope of mental health services provided to youth.” • Youth with disabilities can be prone to be bullied, harassed, and fall behind academically. That can lead to truancy, running away from home, and other behaviors that can result in arrest.
