Effects of mental health disorders on the risk of juvenile justice system involvement and recidivism among children placed in out-of-home care.

Abstract

This study examined the effect of specific mental health disorders on the risk of juvenile justice system involvement and subsequent recidivism among maltreated children placed in out-of-home care. The sample was comprised of all children in Florida aged 7-17 years who were investigated for maltreatment and subsequently placed in out-of-home care between July 1, 2004, and June 30, 2005 (N = 5,720). Presence of mental health disorders and absence of a caregiver were both significantly associated with juvenile justice involvement. Among all examined mental health disorders, conduct disorder was the strongest predictor of juvenile justice involvement. Findings also indicated that, compared to children who did not have identified mental health disorders, children diagnosed with mental health disorders were approximately 80% more likely to experience recidivism. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Reducing Recidivism and Symptoms in Emerging Adults with Serious Mental Health Conditions and Justice System Involvement

“…“Emerging adulthood” will be used herein to refer to ages 17–25 unless otherwise noted. 5 Compounding this, individuals with SMHC have greater justice system involvement than those without SMHC, both as juveniles 6–8 and emerging adults. 6,9,10 For those with intensive adolescent mental health service use, the majority will be arrested by their mid-20’s.…”

Child maltreatment and criminal convictions in youth: The role of gender, ethnicity and placement experiences in an Australian population

“…However, the findings regarding age at time of first placement and placement instability are robust. That is, those who are placed in OHC at an older age, and those who experience a number of different placements, are more likely to offend (Baskin & Sommers, 2010;DeGue & Widom, 2009;Goodkind et al, 2012;Jonson-Reid, 2002;Ryan, 2012;Ryan et al, 2010;Vinnerljung & Sallnäs, 2008;Yampolskaya & Chuang, 2012). This may be because those who enter care at an older age are more likely to have pre-existing and more intense behavioral and emotional problems, and may have been exposed to child maltreatment or adverse family circumstances for longer periods of time (Delfabbro, Barber, & Cooper, 2001).…”

The Prevalence of Mental Disorders Among Children and Adolescents in the Child Welfare System

“…15–19 These children and adolescents, particularly maltreated children who are placed in out-of-home care, are more likely to be involved in the juvenile justice system and to experience recidivism. 20 All of these factors result in substantial economic effects and major costs to society. 21,22 …”