Violent and Nonviolent Delinquent Behavior Among Caucasian and Hispanic Youth in Mental Health Systems-of-Care Programs

Abstract

The prevention and reduction of violent and nonviolent delinquent behavior is a public health priority. In recent years, attention has turned to ethnic disparities in delinquent behavior in efforts to target programs to youth at greatest risk. This study uses longitudinal data from a national evaluation of a federally funded children’s mental health systems-of-care program to examine self-reported delinquent and violent behavior among Caucasian and Hispanic youth who entered mental health services between 1997 and 2006. The results from hierarchical logistic regressions indicate that delinquent, but not violent behavior, decreased over time. There were no significant ethnic differences between these youth in either delinquent or violent behavior. Sociodemographic, clinical, and school characteristics were associated with delinquency and offer suggestions on where to intervene. Given that mental health problems and delinquent behavior frequently co-occur, juvenile justice and mental health agencies would benefit from close partnerships to help youth address these problems.