Mental health, educational and social needs of young offenders in custody and in the community.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to highlight recent findings from research on mental health, educational and social needs of young offenders and the implications for key agencies that commission or provide services.

RECENT FINDINGS: Young offenders have high levels of morbidity in a number of areas, including mental health. A substantial number of young offenders have learning disabilities, which has implications for educational provision and delivering interventions. Other learning problems, such as low reading and comprehension ages, also have consequences for society in a number of areas, including occupational functioning and the associated development of a skilled workforce. There is some evidence that female offenders and persistent offenders are particularly at risk of psychosocial problems. Need is often unmet due to the lack of adequate assessment. Other reasons include inaccessibility of services and difficulties experienced in engaging young people in treatment. Young offenders in the community and those from ethnic minorities are particularly at risk of having poor access to services.

SUMMARY: Providing services for young offenders requires investment from all the agencies in prioritising their needs. Research can continue to contribute by informing policy and practice, although further understanding of the developmental trajectories of high-risk groups is still needed.