Mindful Continuing Education

1. Most youth in the juvenile justice system have psychiatric, social, and academic difficulties, and studies suggest that these youth continue to be substantially impaired in their day-to-day functioning as they age.

A. True B. False

2. The Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale (CAFAS) evaluates eight domains of adolescent functioning including each of the following EXCEPT:

A. Performing satisfactorily in an educational or work environment, observing reasonable rules and completing age-appropriate tasks at home B. The extent to which youth respect the rights of others, respect others' property, conform to laws, and exhibit appropriate interpersonal behavior C. Evaluating moods/emotions, self-harm, substance abuse, and ability to use rational thought processes D. Level of participation in at-risk behaviors, peer relationships, and overall social functioning.

3. After adjusting for racial/ethnic differences, the authors found significant age differences in global impairment for males and numerous differences across all domains for males and females.

A. True B. False

4. Three years after detention, approximately ________ youth had markedly impaired functioning, indicating a need for improved interventions and care after release.

A. 1 out of 3 B. 1 out of 4 C. 1 out of 5 D. 1 out of 6

5. Compared with non-Hispanic whites, minority at-risk males may experience a continuity of disadvantage that leads to functional impairment, including disproportionate rates of poverty, incarceration, reduced access to education and health care, and limited community resources.

A. True B. False

6. Following release from detention, older adolescents tend to have the most difficulty in home functioning, while younger males tend to struggle in the work/education areas.

A. True B. False

7. Experts recommend that future studies to assess functional difficulties should examine how youth's impairment changes as they become young adults and:

A. Investigate which factors are associated with positive outcomes B. Identify early warning systems that may indicate which youth need special guidance and support C. Determine which components of interventions will help minimize distress and subsequent delinquency D. None of the above

8. Public policy initiatives designed to help at-risk adolescents should include connecting more youth with community services after detention, targeting services to youth with the greatest need, and providing long-term intervention.

A. True B. False