The effect that concepts of 'welfare' and 'justice' have upon the recommendations of these reports, and differences that exist in the reports presented by probation and social services also are examined. Of the 100 reports, 87 dealt with male offenders and 3 with female; 23 were child offenders age 10 to under 14, and 7 were age 14 to under 17. It is argued that it is time to reassess the current role of treatment in the juvenile justice system, in terms of this and other recent research, and to separate more clearly the components of welfare and justice within this system. Findings indicate that there is a pressing need for a revision in the presentation of social inquiry reports to the court, as no consistent standard of information is being offered. Tabular data and 34 references. (Author abstract modified)