The Lives and Adjustment Patterns of Juvenile "Lifers"

• In Event: Punitive Sentencing of Serious Juvenile Offenders

Abstract

Anecdotal evidence suggests that juvenile “lifers” are a small but persistent population in Australian correctional facilities. Yet their experiences do not assume a sustained and prominent place in academic work. As such, this project represents the first comprehensive investigation into the adjustment patterns, well-being and coping strategies of a cohort of prisoners who received a sentence of life imprisonment for offending committed as a juvenile (under s29 Young Offenders Act 1993 (SA) and s45 Children’s Protection and Young Offenders Act 1979 (SA)). The research centres around the narratives of 17 males and 1 female interviewed repeatedly within and beyond custody from 2015- 2017 in the state of South Australia. In particular, it explores known factors that correlate with juvenile delinquency, including family dynamics, disengagement of pro-social networks, educational attainment, drug and alcohol use, community crime, intergenerational incarceration and victimization (physical and sexual abuse). The project also examines evolving relationships/attitudes to crime, incarceration, family, work, education and intervention programs as each individual transitions from adolescence to adulthood while incarcerated. The data is enriched by one-off interviews with nominated significant others, prison managers and select members of the South Australian Parole Board and Department for Correctional Services Serious Offender Committee.

Author

• Simone Jessica Deegan, Flinders University