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Mentally Handicapped Juvenile Offender: A Call for Transition

NCJ Number
123342
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 41 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1990) Pages: 20-24
Author(s)
A K Watanabe; C Forgnone
Date Published
1990
Length
5 pages
Annotation
An examination of the prevalence and characteristics of mentally handicapped juvenile offenders is presented.
Abstract
Information concerning the kinds of offenses committed by this group, as well as, how the juvenile justice system responds also discussed. A review of existing training programs is presented, and a case for the implementation of transitional programming for mentally handicapped juvenile offenders based upon functional curriculum is expounded. Such programs should provide skills necessary for handicapped offenders to make a transition from a restrictive setting to a less restrictive environment. In this article, the authors examine and present descriptive characteristics, prevalence rates, and training programs provided mentally handicapped juvenile offenders. An exploratory proposal focusing on the development of transitional programming for these types of offenders is also presented. The juvenile justice system as it relates to the juvenile offender is presented. 45 references. (Author abstract)