50% of Youth Offenders Self Report Substance Abuse Disorders

September 6, 2004 50% of Youth Offenders Self Report Substance Abuse Disorders Almost 50% of male youth offenders in Illinois and New Jersey self reported a substance abuse disorder, and 28% self reported a mood or an anxiety disorder using a computerized version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC-IV). Serious mental health and substance abuse use disorders can interfere with the rehabilitation of youth who come into contact with the juvenile justice system and increase their risk for recidivism. One obstacle to assessing the mental health needs of these youth has been a lack of reliable, easy . . .