Impact of the Young Offenders Act on recidivism rates of special needs youth: Clinical and policy implications.

Abstract
Recidivism rates of special needs young offenders were compared under the Juvenile Delinquents Act and the Young Offenders Act. Youths'' level of need was assessed on the Basic Personality Inventory, a measure of social-emotional adjustment. Results indicated that at a three-month follow-up period, special needs youths appearing in court under the YOA re-offended at a higher rate with both special needs and non-special needs youths continuing to have more charges at a one-year follow-up period after court. Results were discussed in terms of their clinial and social policy implications in managing young offenders.

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