ABSTRACT
The juvenile justice system was established in 1899 in the state of Illinois. The role and function of this system have been discussed extensively in the literature (e.g., Sheperd, 1999). However, there is a paucity of research examining the relationship between juvenile delinquency and the presence of learning disabilities, emotional and behavior disorders, and/or mental retardation in these youths. This chapter reviews the literature on juveniles with disabilities, beginning with a brief overview of the history of the juvenile justice system, followed by a discussion of definitional issues regarding disability and the law, prevalence and incidence rates of disabilities among juvenile delinquents, types of services provided to these youths, and issues unique to female juvenile offenders. In addition, preliminary results from a large scale research project on disability and juvenile delinquency is presented.
