A growing body of professional literature supports a life-skills approach in working with juvenile offenders. The use of social skills training with juvenile offenders typically reflects the assumption that they are deficient in social skills. Maryland's approach to juvenile justice is founded on the belief system that the juvenile justice system's clients are not just the offenders, but also includes victims and communities as well. Without mental health treatment, mentally ill juvenile offenders often become involved in the adult criminal justice system. 10 pgs. No sources listed.
