The Impact of Victimization, Mental Health Problems, and Disabilities on Juvenile Justice Processing: Does Gender Matter?

Abstract

Victimization, mental health problems, and disabilities are associated with an increased likelihood of delinquent behavior, and girls in the juvenile justice system report higher rates of past trauma and victimization, sexual abuse, and mental health issues than boys. However, the influence of these problems on juvenile justice processing remains understudied. This study investigated the impact of victimization, mental health problems, disabilities, and comorbidity on intake and adjudication decisions across gender. Data on 74,636 intake cases were obtained from the centralized database of the juvenile justice office in a mid-Atlantic state (FY 2011–2015). Findings suggest that mental health problems, victimization, and disabilities are associated with increased punitiveness at intake but few consistent gender differences emerged. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.

Trauma and Abuse Among Incarcerated Girls in the United States and Costa Rica

“…Attention to girls who have suffered trauma and abuse during their developmental childhood stages or in juvenile correctional facilities is critical to minimize the likelihood of repeated traumatization. As suggested by Terry and Williams (2019), neglected traumatic experiences among girls during adolescence can escalate to other, more severe disorders and delinquent behaviors (Chappell & Maggard, 2021). Therefore, a second recommendation of gender-responsive programming is to recognize that trauma is a common trait among incarcerated girls in the United States and Costa Rica (Zettler, 2021).…”

“…Unresolved trauma and abuse during the developmental stages of childhood and adolescence can manifest into mental health disabilities such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anti-social behaviors (Kerig et al, 2009; Terry & Williams, 2019; Zahn et al, 2010). For many girls, delinquent behaviors like truancy, running away from home, and substance abuse are a direct response to this trauma and abuse (Belknap & Holsinger, 2006; Chappell & Maggard, 2021). For example, studies have found that girls in the United States who repeatedly run away from home are more likely to be victims of sexual and physical abuse (Shufelt & Cocozza, 2006).…”

“…Incarcerated girls in Costa Rica disproportionately come from high-risk social environments where there is a diminishing socioeconomic middle class, an increase in unskilled migrant workers, high rates of school drops-outs, and exposure to violence, including coming into contact with the juvenile justice system (Mora, 2019;Ochoa et al, 2020).Unresolved trauma and abuse during the developmental stages of childhood and adolescence can manifest into mental health disabilities such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anti-social behaviors (Kerig et al, 2009;Terry & Williams, 2019;Zahn et al, 2010). For many girls, delinquent behaviors like truancy, running away from home, and substance abuse are a direct response to this trauma and abuse (Belknap & Holsinger, 2006;Chappell & Maggard, 2021). For example, studies have found that girls in the United States who repeatedly run away from home are 1114411I SCXXX10.…”

“Overcrowded but lonely”: exploring mental health and well-being among young prisoners in Cambodia

“…From a public health perspective, it is important to understand young prisoners¨mental health and well-being and to identify what kind of support they need to improve their current and future situations (Ruiz-I ´n ˜iguez et al, 2021). Without a supportive environment and access to operating quality services, deterioration of the mental health and well-being of young prisoners might have substantial negative effects on their social and physical situation in the prisons (Chappell and Maggard, 2021). In addition, these negative impacts may continue into their adulthood and significantly affect their well-being, including their education and career (Seker et al, 2022).…”

Family Belonging and Internalizing Symptoms among Youth Involved with the Juvenile Justice System

“…While literature examining delinquency and externalizing problems of youth in juvenile detention centers is relatively extensive (Docherty et al, 2016; Salbach-Andrae et al, 2009), research on the development of internalizing symptoms within this marginalized population is scarce. Yet, literature suggests that over 20 per cent of youth in juvenile detention centers exhibit internalizing problems (Teplin et al, 2002) and over 40 per cent of detained youth endorse comorbid internalizing and externalizing symptoms (Chappell and Maggard, 2020; Goldstein et al, 2003; Mallett, 2014). Recent research suggests a bidirectional association between internalizing symptoms and youth engagement in delinquent and offending behaviors (Jolliffe et al, 2019; Kofler et al, 2011).…”