National Survey of Juvenile Needs Assessment

Abstract

A nationwide survey of juvenile needs assessment examined need deficit factors that are currently measured in the United States. Although most states have some semblance of needs assessment of juvenile offenders, a minority of states have formal needs assessment instruments. The most common needs measured include substance abuse, emotional/psychological dysfunction, violent behavior, sexual abuse and deviancy, family problems, peer association problems, educational deficits, vocational deficits, and physical problems. Recommendations for development of needs assessment measures and associated interventions on the secondary level, as well as the tertiary level are offered.