Race, Substance Abuse, and Mental Health Disorders as Predictors of Juvenile Court Outcomes: Do They Vary By Gender?

Abstract

Predicting juvenile court outcomes based on youthful offenders' delin quency risk factors is important for the adolescent social work field as well as the juvenile justice system. Using a random sample of 341 delinquent youth from one Midwestern urban county, this study extends previous research by examining if race, substance abuse, and mental health disorders influence important delinquency outcomes (number of court offenses, felony conviction(s), probation supervision length, detention length, and number of probation services) differently for male and female juvenile offenders. Multivariate analysis findings revealed that race was significant only for males, and having a substance use disorder was a stronger predictor of delinquency outcomes for males; whereas, having a mental health disorder was a stronger predictor of delinquency outcomes for females. Implications for this research include the importance of early disorder identification and sub sequent availability of gender-focused treatment.

Mental Health and the Juvenile Justice System: Issues Related to Treatment and Rehabilitation

“…Webster-Stratton andTaylor (2001) found that substance abuse in juveniles often exists simultaneously with CD, undesirable behaviors, and delinquency. Therefore, it is important for children/youth with mental health issues who encounter the juvenile justice system to receive screening for substance abuse and, if needed, referral for treatment (Welch-Brewer et al, 2011).…”

“…In recent years, the female juvenile offender population has grown exponentially (Cauffman, 2004). Although Cauffman found similarities (e.g., poverty, dysfunction family) between male and female juvenile offenders, differences do exist (e.g., Welch-Brewer et al, 2011). For example, female offenders are more likely to have been victims of physical or sexual abuse.…”

Gender Differences in Patterns of Substance Use and Delinquency: A Latent Transition Analysis

“…Among delinquent youths, males and females tend to have similar rates of problematic substance use (Welch-Brewer, Stoddard-Dare, & Mallett, 2011). Although research supports the idea that substance use and delinquency are associated for both female and male youths, the two genders have been shown to have different rates of problem behaviors, somewhat different presentations of these behaviors, and different pathways to risk behavior.…”

Assessing the Differential Impact of Risk Indicators on the Delinquency of Latina and White Females

“…In fact, it is estimated that one fifth of children in the juvenile justice system have a serious mental health problem, including depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, substance abuse, bipolar, or trauma (Cocozza & Skowyra, 2000;Welch-Brewer, Stoddard-Dare, & Mallett, 2011). In addition, research on juveniles shows that females have higher rates of mental health problems and poorer outcomes as a result of their mental health than their male counterparts (Cauffman, 2008).…”