ABSTRACT
Assessments of adolescents have been shown to be important in screening, placement and referral, instructional and treatment planning, and outcome evaluation contexts. Table 12.1 provides some examples of the wide range of decisions about young people made in these contexts. The importance of these decisions should not be underestimated. Placing a young person in a special opportunity class, deciding to provide a program of substance abuse counseling, or directing a youth to a secure custody facility are examples of the kinds of decisions having short-and long-term implications for the young people, their families, and society.
