Health status of juvenile offenders. A survey of young offenders appearingbefore the juvenile courts

This paper reports on the health needs of a sample of juvenile offenders ap pearing before a Manchester Court during the month of August 1992. Of the 1 92 subjects interviewed (74% of those listed), 19% had significant medical problems, 42% a history of substance abuse and 7% psychiatric problems requ iring further treatment. Substantial numbers (26%) engaged in a variety of dangerous behaviours. Custodial remands were common (21%), particularly in those with multiple psychosocial difficulties. (C) 1999 The Association for Professionals in Services for Adolescents.