Serious juvenile offenders with and without intellectual disabilities

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine what differences there are in personal characteristics and functioning between juvenile offenders under a mandatory treatment order with IQ<70, IQ 70‐85, and IQ>85, in order to be able to better fit supervision and treatment to their needs.Design/methodology/approachIn order to answer this question 1,363 case files of serious juvenile offenders under a mandatory treatment order were scored using the juvenile forensic profile list (FPJ), an instrument that encompasses over 70 characteristics relevant in risk‐assessment and for measuring problem behaviour.FindingsThe analyses showed that the behavioural and mental health problems and background characteristics of juvenile offenders of various IQ‐levels (IQ<70, IQ 70‐85, and IQ>85) are in many respects very similar. However, differences were found in, for example, social skills and relationships, and the needs inherent with having an intellectual disability (ID) have important implications for the way treatment is offered.Originality/valueAs a large proportion of serious juvenile offenders have an ID, these findings are important to consider. Furthermore, as intelligence has a dynamic aspect, the authors advise to occasionally reassess these juveniles.