Opportunities and Obstacles for Community Intervention Success among Serious and Violent Young Offenders in Foster Care

• In Event: Crossover Youth: Juveniles Involved in Multiple Systems

Abstract

Placement in foster care is a powerful risk factor for serious and violent antisocial behaviour. Once involved in the criminal justice system, experiences of being in foster care can continue to impact the likelihood of antisocial behaviour and subsequent involvement in the criminal justice system. This study focuses on foster care youth involved in the criminal justice system and considers opportunities and obstacles for intervention success in the community that are uniquely associated with placement in care. The study follows a sample of 26 serious and violent young offenders who were incarcerated in British Columbia, Canada and subsequently released into the community. Data was obtained from qualitative review of official criminal justice files and self-report data obtained from participants during periods of incarceration. Findings indicate that there are several obstacles to successful community intervention that are specific to those in foster care, but that placement in care also offers unique opportunities for intervention success. Implications for the community supervision of foster care youth by the criminal justice system will be discussed.

Authors

• Lauren F. Freedman, University of the Fraser Valley

• Raymond R. Corrado, Simon Fraser University