Youth In Residential Placement Research Articles

The relationships among prior gang involvement, current gang involvement, and victimization among youth in residential placement

AbstractThis study examines patterns of victimization among youth in residential placement facilities using data from the Survey of Youth in Residential Placement. Findings indicate that gang involvement in residential placement is associated with multiple forms of victimization. However, desistance from gang membership resulted in rates of victimization among gang members that were no different from those of youth who had never been involved in gangs. These findings support prior research showing that gang involvement does not appear to serve as a protective function and further specifies the nature and contexts of the relationship between gang association and victimization.

Commercial Sexual Exploitation Victims Treated as Offenders: Examining the Gendered Risk Factors of Incarcerated Youth Charged with Prostitution

ABSTRACT Minors under the age of 18 involved in prostitution, or commercial sex acts, are defined as victims by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. However, state and local justice systems continued to arrest and incarcerate minors for prostitution after the passage of the TVPA despite widespread agreement that youth involved in commercial sexual exploitation are victims, not offenders. Most youth charged with prostitution have an extensive history of victimization experiences and detaining them often exacerbates their problems, delays appropriate therapeutic responses, interrupts their education, exposes them to youth who commit more serious offenses, and increases justice system costs. The purpose of this study is to describe the characteristics and risk factors (e.g., victimization histories, drug/alcohol use, gang involvement, home type) of justice-involved youth charged with prostitution in the United States. Given that males and females have different pathways to crime/arrest, this study will also test for gender differences in these risk factors using a nationally representative sample of incarcerated youth (Survey of Youth in Residential Placement; Sedlak, 2003). Results indicate this population of incarcerated youth have several risk factors, including extensive victimization experiences during childhood, and that these experiences vary by gender. I conclude with the implications of this research and give several policy and future research recommendation.

Barriers to School Reentry: Perceptions of School Reentry Among Detained and Committed Youth

Juvenile justice-involved youth, despite their history of poor academic performance, have high educational aspirations for their post-release life. However, few expect to meet their educational aspirations. Barriers in the transition from the juvenile justice setting to the community contribute to the disconnect between youths’ educational aspirations and expectations. However, to date, few studies have included the perspectives of incarcerated youth in assessing barriers to educational attainment. This study addresses the gap in the literature using data from the Survey of Youth in Residential Placement to examine self-reported barriers to meeting the educational aspiration of attending at least some college. Results indicate a lack of interest in school among juvenile justice-involved youth to be the most prevalent and significant barrier to higher educational expectations, despite self-reported high aspirations. We discuss policy implications to improve the reentry process and increase school attachment.

The Dark Figure of Delinquency:New Evidence and Its Underlying Psychopathology

Although research on the dark figure of delinquency has produced valuable quantitative estimates of its size, prior research is mechanistic and atheoretical about the conceptual underpinnings of the crimes that go undetected by the juvenile justice system. Drawing on data from 253 adjudicated youth in residential placements in the Midwestern United States, the current study found that youth self-reported over 25 delinquent offenses for every one police contact. The dark figure of delinquency has a wide distribution with some youth reporting upwards of 290 delinquent offenses per police contact or arrest. Youth who exhibited more psychopathic features, who displayed temperamental profiles characterized by low effortful control and high negative emotionality, males, and those who were older had larger dark figures of delinquency. Findings provide support for general criminological theories that invoke psychopathy or temperament as important individual-level drivers of delinquent conduct, much of which never results in juvenile justice system intervention and thus never achieves legal resolution.

Psychopathy and violent video game playing: Multiple associations in a juvenile justice system involved sample.

Violent video game playing is a consistent risk factor for aggression, but research on its psychopathology and trait underpinnings are primarily based on community or university student samples, thus the ecological validity to adjudicated and juvenile justice system-involved youth lacks clarity. This is an important void in the literature because relative to youth in the general population, adjudicated and detained youth evince greater psychopathology, more severe delinquency and violence histories, and clinical psychopathic features. Negative binomial regression models using data from 252 youth in residential placements found that several psychopathic features are significantly associated with violent video gaming. The role of psychopathy operated differently across gender and arrest chronicity, and across models remorselessness emerged as an important correlate. Given the desensitization that can occur with violent video game play, it is of particular concern among delinquent youth with psychopathic personality features.

Future Expectations of Adolescents: The Role of Mentoring, Family Engagement, and Sense of Belonging

This study investigates the association between mentoring and future expectations of youth in residential placements in Israel, and how family engagement during care and sense of belonging mediate this relationship. The participants included 213 adolescents (16–19 years old). Structural equation modeling revealed that mentoring contributed to the youths’ future expectations indirectly via family engagement in care, sense of belonging, and the chain mediating effect of family engagement and sense of belonging. The discussion highlights the importance of considering youths’ connections with chosen mentors and families when training foster and residential care workers as well as when implementing individual treatment plans and strategies to strengthen the sense of belonging of youth in care.

Trauma and Violence as Predictors of Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms of Youth in Residential Child Welfare Placements

Youth in residential treatment centers have high rates of internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and most youth in residential placements do not demonstrate long-term positive improvements in mental health. These youth also often experience high levels of exposure to violence and trauma, yet little is known about the interrelationships between exposure to violence, trauma, and mental health outcomes including internalizing and externalizing symptoms. As such, the primary purpose of this study was to determine the linkages between youth exposure to violence, trauma, and internalizing and externalizing symptoms. The current study examined these interrelationships and tested gender and race as moderators. The sample included youth in residential treatment with a mean age of 13.75 years, a diverse racial makeup, and almost an equal percentage of males and females. Trauma and exposure to violence were associated with internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and gender significantly moderated the relationship between trauma and externalizing symptoms, demonstrating a strong positive relationship for males in particular. Results highlight key associations between trauma and exposure to violence and youths’ internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Findings also revealed that gender moderated the link between trauma and externalizing symptoms with a positive association for males and a negligible association for females.

Family contact in juvenile confinement facilities: Analysis of the likelihood of and barriers to contact

Although family relationships are important for incarcerated adolescents, little is known about barriers and facilitators of family contact. The present study used the Survey of Youth in Residential Placement (SYRP) to analyze frequency of, predictors of, and barriers to in-person contact and phone contact. Family travel time and race predicted type and frequency of contact. White youth were more likely to report multiple forms of contact and more frequent contact than other groups. Travel time to the facility also predicted financial barriers to contact. These results are discussed in light of the numerous family focused initiatives underway at juvenile facilities.

Dynamic risk factors and timing of recidivism for youth in residential placement

PurposeThough prior research has advanced knowledge on the risk factors most related to recidivism, known as the central eight risk factors, there is a dearth of research on whether these risk factors distinguish youth who reoffend at varying time intervals. This study uses the central eight risk factors outlined in the risk-need-responsivity model to examine how dynamic risk factors are related to the timing of recidivism, and how this differs for male and female youth. MethodsCox proportional hazard and multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between risk factors and time to failure for 2523 male and female youth who completed a juvenile justice residential placement. ResultsThe dynamic risk factors related to early failure for males include antisocial attitudes, antisocial personality, delinquent peers, familial relationships, and ties to school. For females, only leisure time was related to early failure. Additionally, both male and female youth with higher global risk scores were more likely to be arrested in the first 30 days post-release than in the 6–12 month time interval. ConclusionsYouth need to be provided with services tailored to their needs upon reentry, and it is crucial that these services begin immediately upon reentry for higher risk youth.

Risk factor profile of youth incarcerated for child to parent violence: A nationally representative sample

PurposeIntra-familial violence occurs in many forms yet few researchers examine child to parent violence (CPV), which occurs in almost 20% of single parent homes. Studies have neither developed a risk factor profile for youth involved in the most severe cases of CPV resulting in incarceration, nor included a comparison of gender-specific correlates. MethodsData from the Survey of Youth in Residential Placement (SYRP) 2003, a large-scale, nationally representative sample of justice-involved youth between the ages of 10 and 20 who were survey using a multi-stage cluster sampling procedure is utilized. ResultsYouth incarcerated for CPV are typically white and male. Youth, particularly female aggressors, tend to have substantial histories of substance use and/or victimization. Issues of mental health, poor school performance, and other maladaptive behaviors are also common. ConclusionsRelative concordance between CPV arrest and CPV incarceration risk profiles demonstrates youth who initially come into contact with law enforcement due to a report of CPV will continue and/or escalate the behaviors in a manner that will eventually result in arrest and out of home placement decisions. Interventions that focus on breaking the cycle of interfamilial violence thorough using collaborative, coordinated law enforcement and social services approaches are needed.

Race and ethnic differences in mental health need and services received in justice-involved youth

This study examined differences in mental health need and in services received in seven different racial and ethnic groups of justice-involved youth. Data came from a nationally representative sample 7073 youth in residential placement across 36 states representing five program types. Descriptive analyses and regression modeling techniques were used to examine the relationship between race/ethnicity, mental health need, and mental health services received. Results show that almost 10% of youth self-identified exclusively as American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, or multiracial. In almost all instances, the needs of one or more of these non-dominate groups were significantly higher than non-Hispanic whites, African Americans, and/or Hispanics. Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander youth had the highest rate of suicide ideations and the second highest rate of a suicide attempts, but approximately 17% of these youth were in a program that did not screen for suicide risk. Moreover, around half of all Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander youth were in placements that used untrained and/or no staff to evaluate youth for suicide risk. Multiracial youth were more likely to receive any counseling compared to Hispanic youth, but they received significantly less frequent counseling than African Americans and Hispanics. This study validates the need for samples that include sufficient numbers of non-dominant racial/ethnic groups because mental health problems appear to be elevated in these subpopulations.

The Effects of Trauma Type and Executive Dysfunction on Symptom Expression of Polyvictimized Youth in Residential Care.

Risk for traumatic sequelae is conveyed directly by risk factors (i.e., exposure to trauma), and via the disruption of developmental competencies. Exposure to caregiver trauma is an especially salient risk factor, as its early and pervasive nature is likely to undermine multiple facets of development, most notably the emergence of cognitive controls (i.e., executive function [EF]). Deficits in EF have been observed among youth exposed to multiple types of trauma and are associated with a range of functional impairments, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), and behavioral disorders; they represent a mechanism by which the negative impact of caregiver trauma is conveyed. This study included 672 youth in residential placement, and examined the associations between both caregiver and noncaregiver trauma, measured by the Trauma History Profile (THP); executive dysfunction, measured by the Behavioral Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF); PTSS, measured by the UCLA Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Reaction Index (PTSD-RI); and externalizing and internalizing problems, measured by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). A structural equation model demonstrated direct associations between caregiver trauma and PTSS, β = .15; noncaregiver trauma and externalizing problems, β = .14; gender and PTSS, β = .26, externalizing problems, β = .12, and internalizing problems, β = .26; and age and externalizing problems, β = -.11. We observed indirect effects via deficits in EF between caregiver trauma and PTSS, β = .04 and externalizing problems, β = .19. Results indicate for screening for executive dysfunction among trauma-impacted youth is needed, as it represents a critical therapeutic target.

Effects of Childhood Polyvictimization on Victimization in Juvenile Correctional Facilities: The Mediating Role of Trauma Symptomatology

Polyvictimization refers to multiple forms of victimization experienced by youths. The extent to which aggregated or cumulative early life victimization increases risk of victimization within juvenile correctional facilities is unclear. Furthermore, pathways from early polyvictimization to facility victimization may be partly explained by trauma symptomatology. Drawing upon the extant polyvictimization literature, this study explores both composite and cumulative effects of childhood victimization on later victimization within correctional facilities and the mediating role of trauma symptomatology among a nationally representative sample of incarcerated youth. Data were drawn from the Survey of Youth in Residential Placement. Incarcerated youths ( N = 7,073) were surveyed on constructs including early victimization, trauma symptomatology, and experiences of victimization within correctional facilities. Using appropriate weights in analyses, structural equation models revealed the relationship between amassed early polyvictimization and composite facility victimization was partially explained by trauma symptoms; facility victimization also linked to trauma symptoms. Additional models revealed that as youths report more victimization experiences, there was a successive increased likelihood for trauma symptoms, facility robbery, and facility physical victimization. The relationships between cumulative early victimization and facility robbery, physical, and sexual victimization were partially or fully mediated by trauma symptoms. Research and practice implications are discussed.

Racial/ethnic differences of justice-involved youth in substance-related problems and services received.

This study examined differences in substance-related problems and receipt of substance-specific counseling in 7 different racial/ethnic groups of justice-involved youth. Data came from a nationally representative sample of 7,073 youth in residential placement across 36 states representing 5 program types. Descriptive analyses and regression modeling techniques were used to examine the relationship between race/ethnicity, substance problems, and substance services. Results show that more than 2/3 report a history of at least 1 substance-related problem. Yet, over 12% of youth in residential placement are in programs that do not offer any substance-related services. This has the greatest implications for African American and Hispanic youth, who are most likely to be the programs without these services. Moreover, there are substantive differences in the prevalence of substance problems by race and ethnicity. American Indian/Alaska Natives and multiracial youth were significantly more likely to have substance problems, to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol at the time of the current offense, to have a history of substance problems and above average mental health need, and to have a history of substance problems and a lifetime suicide attempt compared to African Americans. Asian youth were similar to African Americans and had lower rates of substance problems. Asian youth were also the least likely to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol at the time of the current offense. This study provides important preliminary findings about Asian, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and multiracial justice-involved youth and adds to the knowledge about American Indian/Alaska Native populations. (PsycINFO Database Record

The Effects of Family Contact on Community Reentry Plans Among Incarcerated Youths

ABSTRACTResearch shows protective factors that mitigate risks for juvenile delinquency can also support the community reentry of incarcerated youths and deter future offending. Family engagement, educational attainment, and secure employment are widely accepted as important protective factors to prevent problematic behavior. Studies suggest these same protective factors are crucial for incarcerated youths and should be an integral part of reentry planning to improve post-release outcomes. Nevertheless, limited research exists on the association between these factors and the value of family involvement in reentry planning for incarcerated youths. This study addresses this gap by examining how increased family contact affects the likelihood of instituting education and employment reentry plans among youths in custody. Data were obtained from the Survey of Youth in Residential Placement (SYRP) that provides information on juvenile offenders in confinement. The SYRP is the first nationally representative cross-sectional survey to gather information directly from youths 10–20 years old in custody (N=7,073). Analyses were conducted using a sequence of regression models to test the relationship between the frequency of family contact and whether a youth had a plan for education or employment upon release. Results reflect that youths with increased family contact were one and a half times more likely to have both educational and employment reentry plans in place relative to youths with no family contact. Findings inform practice and policy to advocate for family involvement with youth in confinement, and further suggest that family plays a decisive role in preparing incarcerated youths for success upon release.

The Relationship Between Abusive Experiences and Staff Controls in Juvenile Correctional Facilities: The Mediating Effects of Externalizing Behavior

To maintain safety and order, some correctional settings permit the use of controls on youth in response to behavioral problems; however, use of controls may exacerbate trauma symptoms that many youth bring to the carceral experience. Data from the Survey of Youth in Residential Placement are used in this study (N = 7,073). Structural equation modeling was used to test three hypotheses: (a) youth with a history of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse report greater use of staff controls; (b) externalizing behaviors partially mediate this relationship; and (c) externalizing behavior and staff controls are mutually reinforcing. Findings suggest that youth with physical and sexual abuse histories experience greater staff controls. Externalizing behavior was a partial mediator and a reciprocal product of staff controls. Such findings warrant caution for institutional policies and staff practices that promote the use of control, and instead call for the use of trauma-informed responses to misbehavior.

Mental health, substance use, and offending patterns among Native American youth in juvenile detention

ABSTRACTResearch has shown that youthful offenders in the juvenile justice system report an array of substance use and emotional and other mental health needs. The current study closely examined these issues in a large national sample (n = 539) of Native American youth drawn from the Survey of Youth in Residential Placement. Results demonstrated that frequent substance use was associated with the likelihood of being detained for a drug offense, while emotional and mental health needs were associated with detention for the most serious offenses. These results highlight the need for comprehensive substance use and other mental health assessments for Native American youth in the juvenile justice system.

Intra- and Extra-Familial Victimization Experiences: Differentiating Between Incarcerated Serious Youth Offenders and Youth Rapists.

Although research is becoming increasingly nuanced by exploring differential risk factors linked with types of youth offenders, typological distinctions have rarely been made between youth rapists and other serious youth offenders. This study tests the relative effects of intra- and extra-familial victimization-while holding other theoretically driven variables constant-on membership in three mutually exclusive youth offending groups: non-serious non-sexual offenders (n = 4,013), serious non-sexual offenders (n = 2,571), and rapists (n = 489). Data were drawn from the Survey of Youth in Residential Placement (SYRP). Incarcerated youth (N = 7,073) were surveyed on multiple constructs. Using appropriate weights in analyses, a multinomial logistic regression (referencing serious offenders) revealed youth who were victims of intra-familial physical abuse (22%) and intra-familial forced sex (42%) had a decreased risk of being in the non-serious offender category relative to the serious offender category. Furthermore, intra-familial emotional abuse (75%) and intra-familial forced sex (202%) demonstrated an increased risk of being in the rapist category relative to serious offender category. Although extra-familial victimization was statistically significant, victimization within the family had larger effects when predicting rape group membership. The research and practice implications are discussed.

Emotional Distress Dispositions and Crisis Intervention for Children Treated for Mental Illness

We studied 1,397 youth undergoing treatment in a multi-program, multiservice agency serving vulnerable youth in both community and residential settings, testing for associations between four indicators of youth’s emotional distress dispositions and the frequency of crisis events demanding a crisis response within the first 6 months of youth’s participation in a treatment program. We addressed individual and program-level research aims employing a two-level hierarchical model considering both individual and program levels of influence. Results indicated the presence of strong associations for youth’s anger control and frustration management issues, a weaker association for anxiety/anxious disposition, and no significant association for irritability/poor self-control problems. Aggregate emotional distress differences for youth in school, probation, wraparound, residential, or community mental health programming contributed little beyond emotional distress differences among individual youth. Consistent with psychological theory, clinically measured emotional distress dispositions prompt significant behavioral disruption for youth in residential placements as well as in community settings, and they can be detected early in treatment for guiding remedial efforts.

Continuity of care and outcomes in residential care: A comparison of two care giving models

Summary This study examined differences in two residential care giving models (houseparent vs. child care worker) in providing continuity of care for youth in residential placement, and the effect that a care giving model had on selected program outcomes. Data for this research were collected in a residential facility that used both models. Youth with house parents had higher levels of continuity with caregivers than those with child care workers. Continuity of care, regardless of the caretaker, demonstrated more effect on the reduction of behavioral problems than type of caregiver. Changes in caretakers were also associated with more behavioral problems.