This study examined overall & cause-specific standardised mortality ratios in a cohort of young offenders, age 10-20 years, in Victoria, Australia. The cohort comprised 2621 men & 288 women. Cause-specific standardised mortality ratios for men were 25.7 (17.9 to 36.9) for dug-related causes, 9.2 (5.8 to 15) for suicide, and 5.7 (3.6 to 9.2) for non-intentional injury. Social policies for young offenders should address both the prevalent drug & mental health problems as well as the high levels of social disadvantage. (22 refs.)