The Cumulative Effect of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Offense Seriousness Among Delinquent Youth

• In Event: Adverse Childhood Experiences: Mental Health, Offense Seriousness and Violence among Juvenile Offenders

Abstract

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have consistently been shown to be associated with a wide range of negative health repercussions among general samples of the population. However, very little research has examined the prevalence and consequences of ACEs among youth involved in the juvenile justice system. The current study examines the relationship between a measure of cumulative exposure to ACEs and the seriousness of offending among juvenile delinquents in the state of Florida. Our findings add to a growing literature on delinquency outcomes associated with childhood maltreatment, highlighting the importance of including a broader range of traumatic experiences that are often overlooked. Policy implications as well as opportunities for future research are discussed.

Authors

• Ardijana Ivezic, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Kevin T. Wolff, John Jay College of Criminal Justice