The measure is part of a new government strategy to help break the link between poor health and youth crime. The Healthy Children, Safer Communities strategy focuses on the need for early intervention to ensure the causes of poor behaviour are tackled before problems become serious.
Research shows that half of all young people who come into contact with the youth justice system have difficulties with speech and communication, a third have diagnosed mental health issues or substance abuse problems, and a quarter have long-term learning difficulties.
Care services minister Phil Hope said: "Young people end up involved with crime for a complex mix of reasons. This strategy will enable services to deal with all the problems a vulnerable child faces at one time, reducing the risk that they will turn to crime."
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