Who are young people with disabilities in the juvenile justice system?
These are young people with histories of school failure and involvement with law enforcement agencies. Many have disabilities that are not identified until they enter the juvenile justice system. The most common disabilities include learning disabilities, significant behavioral and emotional disabilities, Conduct Disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), developmental disabilities, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Chemical dependency or other substance abuse issues are often present along with a disability.
