Exploring Protective Factors in the ACE-Offending Relationship

• In Event: Adverse Childhood Experiences and their Impact on Later Life Outcomes

Abstract

Prior research has established that ACEs, or Adverse Childhood Experiences, can have a harmful impact on a number of later life outcomes ranging from chronic diseases to offending. However, what is less known is if there are any factors that may reduce the possibility of these adverse outcomes, such as offending, from occurring. The current study seeks to fill this void and identify potential protective factors that reduce the probability of offending. Through the use of variables identified by prior research, several potential protective variables will be assessed using a sample of adjudicated youth sentenced to some form of community placement. Specifically, the ability of these variables to reduce the impact of ACEs on subsequent offending will be measured. These findings have significance not only for increasing our knowledge of ACEs in general but also for informing policymakers and practitioners. It is the goal that, through our research, we will be able to identify factors that practitioners can focus on, perhaps introducing interventions in the lives of justice-involved youth that would decrease their likelihood of recidivism.

Authors

• Jessica Craig, University of North Texas

• Michael Baglivio, G4S Youth Services, LLC

• Alex R. Piquero, University of Texas at Dallas

• Kevin Wolff, The Graduate Center, John Jay College / CUNY

• Jonathan Intravia, Ball State University