How are They Doing? Mental Health Disorders as Consequences of Juvenile Delinquency and Risky Behaviors

• In Event: Ethno Cultural Characteristics, Risky Behaviors and Mental Health Problems: A Comparison Between Street Gang and Non-Street Gang Young Offenders

Abstract

Within Quebec’s Youth Centers, psychiatric disorders are still rarely considered as part of the rehabilitation of young offenders. Our research results were in line with previous research in North America: young offenders present a high rate (49.5%) of mental health problems, both internalized and externalized. We were particularly concerned about the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (27.7%) and exposure to traumatic events (76.3%). Street gang offenders are significantly more vulnerable to posttraumatic stress disorder than others. In addition, we conducted 25 qualitative interviews with young offenders that revealed an association with a street gang about the perception of the dangerousness of delinquent activities. Results show that 95% of street gang young offenders and 62% of non-street gang young offenders revealed a previous traumatic event. Street gang offenders present symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorders more often than non-street gang offenders. When we discussed this with them, street gang young offenders seem to repress the fear that could be associated with traumatic events. These results are very important and they have led to the development of systematic screening of mental health disorders among the young offender population in Montreal. We will discuss how these results are now taken into account in screening and intervention in Montreal's rehabilitation center for young offenders.

Authors

• Catherine Laurier, University of Montreal

• Jean-Pierre Guay, University of Montreal