Acknowledgements
Introduction: Toward A Disability Paradigm

1. The Tip of the Iceberg
The Code According to the YCJA
Mental Disorder Provisions
Key Aspects of Youth Justice Legislation
Conferences
Court Ordered Reports
Adult Sentences for Young Offenders
Constitutionality of the YCJA

2. Good Reasons for a Separate System
A Period of Change and Risk
Competencies in Youth
Adolescence and Stress
Mood Disorders
Planning, Judging, and Decision-Making
Substance Abuse and Addiction
Implications of a Developmental Perspective
The Truth about Consequences

3. Even More Reasons for a Separate System
Conceptualizing Mental Disabilities
Multiple Pathways Leading to Mental Disabilities
At Risk for Secondary Disabilities
Victimization
Mental Disabilities and Delinquency
Victimization and Violent Offending
Victimization and Youth Justice
Stereotypes Associated with Mental Disabilities
Mental Disabilities and Education
Disability Rights

4. The Snowball Effect
Out-of-Court Measures
Conditions of Release and Probation
The Adverse Impact of Custody

5. Examples and Strategies
Examples
    Intellectual Disabilities
    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Disruptive Behaviour Disorders
Strategies
    Chronic Misunderstanding
    Reduced Remembering
    Impulsivity and Planning Difficulties

6. Waiving Their Rights
Competencies Required to Waive Rights
Admissible Statements and Waivers

7. Competency Assessments in Youth Court
Defining Roles and Preparing Clients
The Assessment Process
Maturity and Competence to Consent
Legal Competencies in Youth Court
Assessing Criminal Responsibility in Youth