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This paper is one of two in a series that reports detailed findings from a larger study that simultaneously explored individual, family and neighborhood level predictors of victimization and offending among youth. The current analysis aims to identify which neighborhood level factors have better predictive power with regard to type of victimization (direct and vicarious measures) and total offending overtime (Wave 1 and Wave 2). Methods: Path analysis was conducted using data from a multi-wave, panel study (N=625) of youth ages 16–19 at Wave 1. A best fitting model was determined showing causal pathways from neighborhood level factors including crime and perception of safety, to direct and vicarious victimization through exposure to violence, and subsequent offending. Findings: Neighborhood crime significantly predicted property victimization. Neighborhood crime and perception of safety significantly predicted vicarious victimization by exposure to violence in the neighborhood. Neighborhood crime and perception of safety were significantly associated with Wave 1 offending. Findings highlight the need for professionals who work with youth to be cognizant of how their environments influence their lives. Prevention and intervention models seeking to create sustainable change among youth should consider mezzo and macro level components that build and strengthen neighborhood capacity through community partnerships.

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This is the first study to explore whether mandated reporters who work with adolescent females, ages 10 to 17, recognize domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) and associated risk factors. Because mandated reporters are required by law to report child abuse, neglect, and child exploitation, lack of specific DMST training or not believing DMST exists in communities continues to place young females at risk for revictimization. Results indicate that 60% of mandated reporters in the sample (N = 577) had no specific training on DMST. Furthermore, almost 25% of respondents did not believe DMST existed in their communities. Implications for practice are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

This study looks at parents who have adopted children from the U.S. foster care system and identifies relationships between postadoptive services and outcomes for both parents and children alike. Data for the study came from the 2012 U.S. National Adoptive Families Study, an online survey of adoptive parents (N D 437) who have adopted at least 1 child from the U.S. foster care system. The study focused on child outcomes such as social integration and the child's overall improvement and adoptive parent outcomes such as emotional states, changes in close relationships, and satisfaction with the adoption. The study also assessed whether or not these outcomes are associated with adoption dissolution. Results show that parents' need for and access to postadoption services is associated with many types of parent and child outcomes, but not always in the direction practitioners might assume. Furthermore, these parent and child outcomes are statistically related to adoption dissolution. Future research will delve into whether or not these associations between postadoptive services and outcomes differ among adoptive families based on family structure and social support networks.

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