Connecting the Dots: Impact of Trauma on Juvenile Delinquent Behavior

• In Event: Trauma: Its Role in Juvenile Delinquency, Treatment, and the Juvenile Court

Abstract

Youth probation departments are increasingly identifying trauma-related issues. In addition, researchers have demonstrated the relationship between traumatic childhood experiences and negative life outcomes. As a result, many probation departments have incorporated trauma-specific programming and are realizing the benefits of a trauma-informed system. The purpose of this study is to explore a cost-effective method for gathering information that can be used to assess the extent of youth’s traumatic childhood experiences, and to describe how these traumas impact delinquency. The Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS), a free and commonly-used assessment tool, includes items related to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), an established measure of trauma. This study includes youth in the juvenile justice system who participated in an intensive case management program. CANS intake data were used to create ACE scores for each youth, and delinquent behavior was measured using juvenile and adult criminal records. Results regarding the relationship between ACE scores and delinquent behavior will be discussed, including moderating effects of factors such as gender, age, and strengths identified using the CANS. Findings will strengthen practitioners’ ability to provide targeted programming, and demonstrate for policy makers the importance of allotting funding to address these types of traumas.

Authors

• Holly Child, Applied Survey Research

• McHale Newport-Berra, Applied Survey Research