Pathways to Death Row for America's Disabled Youth: Three Case Studies Driving Reform

Abstract

This article uses the case study method to examine the lives of three youths with disabilities living in the southern part of the United States who have followed a pathway to death row. An empirically established developmental and theoretical framework is used to examine issues related to the in¯uence of disabilities and race on children and youths, and their pathway to delinquency and crime. Through criminological life-history research methods, the study demonstrates the path taken by three youths with disabilities and showcases how the analysis of information gleaned from these life stories creates new narratives about pathways to death row. Moreover, the presentation of these narratives to legislators and policy-makers has in¯uenced reform in the American juvenile justice system.The combined use of life-history research and social work advocacy provides a more effective and successful method by which to request and secure the resources necessary for intervening in the youth pathway to death row. Finally, this collaborative research effort has resulted in the passage of legislative acts that have created early intervention truancy prevention centersÐcenters based on the stories about these three young men in their elementary school years.

Impact of Brief Intervention Services on Drug-Using Truant Youths' Self-Reported Delinquency and Arrest Charges: A Longitudinal Study

“…As Garry (2001) observed, truancy may be the beginning of a lifetime of problems among students who routinely skip school. Truancy has been shown to be related to poor standardized test performance (Caldas, 1993; Lamdin, 1996), high school dropout (Bridgeland, Dilulio, & Morison, 2006), a stressed family life (Baker, Sigmon, & Nugent, 2001; Kearney & Silverman, 1995), emotional and psychological functioning difficulties (Diebolt & Herlache, 1991; Egger, Costello, & Angold, 2003; Kearney & Silverman, 1995), substance use (Dembo et al, 2014; Soldz, Huyser & Dorsey, 2003), and juvenile delinquency, including contact with the justice system (Henry & Huizinga, 2007; Loeber & Farrington, 2000; Puzzanchera, Stahl, Finnegan, Tierney, & Snyder, 2003; also see Henry, Thornberry, & Huizinga, 2009) and progression to adult criminality (Schroeder, Chaisson, & Pogue, 2004). Related research has also documented a link between truancy and subsequent problems with employment, adult crime, and incarceration (Catalano, Hawkins, Wells, & Miller, 1991; Dryfoos, 1990; Robins & Ratcliff, 1978; Snyder & Sickmund, 1995).…”

Sexual Risk Behavior among Male and Female Truant Youths: Exploratory, Multi-Group Latent Class Analysis

“…Truancy is negatively associated with family functioning (Baker, Sigmon, & Nugent, 2001; Kearney & Silverman, 1995) and mental health functioning (Diebolt & Herlache, 1991; Egger, Costello, & Angold, 2003; Kearney & Silverman, 1995). Furthermore, truancy is linked with the development of deviant behavior, including substance use (Dembo et al, 2013; Soldz, Huyser, & Dorsey, 2003), juvenile delinquency (Henry & Huizinga, 2007; Henry, Thornberry, & Huizinga, 2009; Loeber & Farrington, 2000; Puzzanchera, Stahl, Finnegan, Tierney, & Snyder, 2003), and adult criminal offending (Catalano, Hawkins, Wells, Miller, & Brewer, 1991; Schroeder, Chaisson, & Pogue, 2004; Snyder & Sickmund, 1995). …”

Differential Effects of Mental Health Problems Among Truant Youths

“…2 As Garry 5 observed, truancy may be the beginning of a lifetime of problems among students who routinely skip school, including poor standardized test performance, 6-7 high school dropout, 8 a stressed family life, 9-10 difficulties in emotional/psychological functioning, 10-12 drug use, 13-14 and progression to both juvenile delinquency 15-18 and adult criminal offending. 19 Related research has also documented a link between truancy and later problems with employment, adult crime and incarceration. 20-23 …”