Juvenile delinquency and the quality of life: the 17-year depression

Some delinquents who were unreachable and failed to respond to juvenile interventions may at age 17 or 18 become depressed and then be accessible and motivated for treatment and rehabilitation. If their needs and potentials remain unrecognized, they may act out their depression with continued offenses, alcoholism, drug dependence, and social maladaptations. Untreated, such depressions are long-lasting and have far-reaching influences upon family.