Most youth with disabilities do not develop criminal behavior. However, youth with emotional and behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, and developmental disabilities are represented in the juvenile justice system in numbers disproportionate to their incidence in the general population. Because issues regarding youth with disabilities are complex, appropriate treatment requires professionals to have an understanding of diverse systems, cultures, laws, and approaches to working with youth at risk. The handbook includes information about: (1) emotional, behavioral, learning, and developmental disabilities; (2) disability-specific entitlements; and (3) approaches for professionals who work with young offenders with disabilities throughout the juvenile justice process. The handbook is intended for use by such professionals as law enforcement officers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, probation officers, dispositional advisors, juvenile court referees and judges, correctional personnel, employers and work release staff, social service and mental health providers, special and regular education professionals, advocates, and clergy and other religious leaders. The information contained in the handbook can be used at each step in the juvenile justice process. Handbook chapters focus on those disabilities most common among juvenile offenders that can be addressed in special education law through the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. National organizations related to youth and juvenile justice and parent training and information centers are listed in an appendix. 64 references