The Scottish Parliament's Justice 2 committee said it was particularly concerned about the difficulties in engaging non-core agencies such as health and education, and that offenders were "still viewed as the responsibility of social work departments".
The report pointed out that while education was a "key factor in reducing offending", education services "do not understand the importance of their role in youth justice".
Youth justice services had to be delivered "through a multi-agency structure", it added.
The committee was also "seriously concerned" about the "adequacy" of child and adolescent mental health services.
However, it welcomed Scottish Executive guidance requiring local authorities to produce a single integrated plan for all children's services.
Ruth Stark, professional officer for the British Association of Social Workers in Scotland, said: "Unless we address their needs, young offenders will not be given the opportunity to change."
- www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/committees/justice2/index.htm.
