The Effect of Mental Health Diagnoses and Substance Abuse on Offenders’ Reasons to Offend

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

Abstract

A common line of research in criminal behavior is attempting to understand why certain individuals break the law while others do not. One particular avenue that is used to address this is to ask the offenders themselves why they committed a specific offense. While these answers may point to a variety of different reasons, such as revenge or for monetary gain, it is yet to be seen if these answers are conditioned or otherwise impacted by an individual’s mental health and substance abuse. It is this gap that this study seeks to address through the study of a sample of adjudicated delinquents who were given community placement. Due to differences between juveniles and adults, we will focus our analysis on those 18 years of age and over at the time they completed placement. Further, given that individuals who have experienced more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are more likely to have mental health or substance abuse issues, this study will add to our understanding of the impact of ACEs on offending.

Authors

• Jessica M. Craig, University of North Texas

• Angie Wilson, University of North Texas

• Michael T. Baglivio, G4S Youth Services, LLC

• Nathan Epps, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice

• Alex R. Piquero, University of Texas at Dallas