Addressing the Needs of School Failures in a Delinquent Population

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Abstract
The educational needs of 41 adolescents who appeared in Family Court and who were subsequently referred to the Family Court Clinic for assessment were examined. Characteristics of the students within group differences of the school population and impact of the school program were assessed. Findings indicated that the educational problems area was only one of many areas of difficulty for these adolescents. Other areas of the adolescents' life including both inter- and intrapersonal crises also contributed to undermining school achievement and attendance. Impact of the Clinic school placement, which emphasizes low student-teacher ratio, backup of social work and psychological personnel for counseling, and follow-up of students from the Clinic school back to regular school and specialized programs, was reflected in improved school attendance. Issues were discussed regarding the relationship between school failure and juvenile delinquency. Programs which emphasize the need for a close working relationship between school boards and the juvenile justice and children's mental health systems were emphasized in meeting the needs of this disturbed group of young persons.