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

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract

Until recently, very few studies have focused on specific risk and protective factors for street gang association among young offenders. In addition, the study of violence experienced and psychological consequences, not well documented among young offenders, is even less documented for those who are members of street gangs. In this study, 212 young offenders, from four Youth Centers and two Detention Centers from the Montreal area in Quebec, aged 14 to 25 years were interviewed. They largely reported experiencing potentially traumatic events. In addition, they reported a lifestyle where risk taking is predominant. This panel includes three thematic communications. The first aims to describe the ethno-cultural characteristics of these youths and their ethnic identity. The second will focus on propensity of risky behavior for young offenders. The last presentation will focus on mental health issues, especially posttraumatic stress disorder, presented by young offenders associated with gangs as a consequence of their delinquent lifestyle.

Sub Unit

• Area IX: Juvenile Crime and the Justice System / 57: Delinquency

Individual Presentations

• Who are They? Ethno-Cultural Characteristics, Street Gang Association and Adhesion to Gang Culture - Manuelle Beriault, University of Sherbrooke; Catherine Laurier, University of Montreal; Jean-Pierre Guay, University of Montreal; Chantal Fredette, College Ahunstic

• What They Do? A Portrait of the Risks Taken by Young Offenders - Catherine Pineau-Villeneuve, University of Montreal; Catherine Laurier, University of Montreal; Jean-Pierre Guay, University of Montreal

• How are They Doing? Mental Health Disorders as Consequences of Juvenile Delinquency and Risky Behaviors - Catherine Laurier, University of Montreal; Jean-Pierre Guay, University of Montreal

Chair

• Catherine Laurier, University of Montreal