Delinquent was a term used to describe a child or young person whose behaviour was likely to lead them to be convicted of an offence.
Between 1922 and 1963, children considered to be delinquent were more likely to be tested for intellectual disability. If the test was positive, the child would be jointly managed by the Children of the State Department or its successor, the Social Services Department, and the Mental Deficiency Board. The methods of intelligence testing were not sophisticated and the authorities often made mistakes.
Prepared by: Caroline Evans
Created: 15 November 2013, Last modified: 13 February 2019