This book provides information about emotional, behavioral, learning and developmental disabilities; disability-specific entitlements; and approaches for professionals who work with youthful offenders with disabilities throughout the juvenile process. Chapter 1 describes characteristics of common disabilities among youthful offenders and details strategies and accommodations that professionals may want to consider when working with the youth who have these disabilities. Disabilities described include conduct disorder, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, learning disabilities, and developmental disabilities. Case studies of individuals with different disabilities are provided, as well as a list of some of the communication difficulties confronted by individuals with mental retardation. Chapter 2 reviews entitlements for youth with disabilities in the justice system, including rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This chapter also discusses school discipline policies and rules that could discriminate against specific students. Strategies that professionals can use for promoting family involvement are outlined in chapter 3. A final chapter makes recommendations for overcoming the barriers in the juvenile justice system that make it more difficult for youth with disabilities to receive appropriate and meaningful correctional responses. An appendix provides a resource list of national organizations related to youth and juvenile justice and a list of parent training and information centers. (Contains 64 references.) (CR)