Child Development
In youths aged 13 to 14, the following changes are happening: (continued)
- Children at this developmental stage can also be prone to depression. Officers should be aware that many mental health disorders present during adolescence and a majority of children with such problems are not receiving the care they need. An estimated 70% of youths in the national juvenile justice system have a diagnosable mental health disorder.
- Hyperaroused children in this group develop many different maladaptive methods for dealing with the stressors in their lives, including risky and thrill-seeking behaviors. They may be abusing drugs or engaging in delinquent activities. It is critically important that intervention occur with young offenders at this stage before they graduate to more serious crimes.
