ABSTRACT
This chapter covers the general elements of youth-oriented reports. Young people in youth justice systems present with a wide range of issues; the most frequently identified include: behaviour and/or learning problems at school, alcohol and drug abuse, mental health problems, family dysfunction and violence or physical acting out. Although there are similarities and consistencies between youth and adults, there are also developmental differences that should be taken into account – for example during risk assessment. As part of taking a developmentally appropriate approach, psychologists must consider the young person within the context of their broader system – family, school/work, peers and community. Effective reports should provide a comprehensive description of the youth's functioning across relevant contexts and domains that help inform decision making and address the appropriate legal issues. Risk assessment should be based on theories of youth delinquency and incorporate risk factors that have been identified in the literature as being associated with antisocial behaviour and/or reoffending.
