### Question
How does Centers and Programs define youth offender?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 290bb*, **youth offender** is defined as:

> an individual who is 21 years of age or younger who has been discharged from a State or local juvenile or criminal justice system, except that if the individual is between the ages of 18 and 21 years, such individual has had contact with the State or local juvenile or criminal justice system prior to attaining 18 years of age and is under the jurisdiction of such a system at the time services are sought

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 290bb*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 6A-PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE > SUBCHAPTER III&ndash;A-SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION > Part B-Centers and Programs > subpart 3-center for mental health services**

