Disentangling the Victim-Offender Overlap: Exploring Conflict Outcomes of Gang-Involved Youth in Care

• In Event: Criminal, Social, and Health Outcomes of Serious and Violent Youth

Abstract

The relationship between foster care placement and deficits in social capital are well documented. Compounded by risk factors such as familial conflict, neglect, difficulties in school, and residential mobility, foster youth are more susceptible to both criminal behavior and victimization. These two outcomes are also disproportionately common for gang members. Foster children and youth may view delinquent peer groups as a source of protection and a sense of familial esprit de corps that they have lacked. Thus, gang involvement may be a lifestyle that is particularly enticing for foster care youth and in turn may compound this group’s risk of offending and victimization. The current study examined the relationship between foster care placement and gang involvement using data from the Incarcerated Serious and Violent Young Offender Study. A series of regression analyses were conducted to examine conflict victimization and conflict perpetration outcomes while controlling for key risk factors. Particular attention was given to the interaction effect between foster care and level of gang involvement. Results are discussed with regard to policy and intervention implications for foster youths who are most susceptible to gang involvement.

Authors

• Jennifer Yang, Simon Fraser University

• Evan McCuish, Simon Fraser University

• Martin Bouchard, Simon Fraser University

• Raymond Corrado, Simon Fraser University