Characteristics of Juveniles with Brain Injury in a Residential Juvenile Justice Setting

• In Event: Considerations of Illness and Disabilities in Juvenile Court

Abstract

Brain Injury (BI) has an established higher prevalence among those in juvenile and adult justice systems, and as a substantial risk factor for continued offending. Unfortunately, BI is often undiagnosed and not considered within most justice contexts. The current study leverages data from a collaborative effort between the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (FDJJ), Youth Opportunity (a direct service provider of juvenile justice residential services), and brain injury expert practitioners and researchers. The project provided screening of juveniles in 5 residential facilities across Florida, for a lifetime history of BI (n = 295, 33% positive for BI). A subset of those screening positive for BI received a battery of neurocognitive assessments (n= 30) to establish the presence of moderate to severe cognitive impairment. Data will be shared about the demographic characteristics of those with a lifetime history of BI and evidence of moderate to severe cognitive impairments. The types of cognitive impairments most frequently experienced will be described, and analyzed in terms of differences in race/ethnicity, criminal history, and prominent risk factors as assessed at admission to placement. The results enhance our understanding of BI among youth in residential placement and their criminal history and criminogenic needs.

Authors

• Drew A. Nagele, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Professional and Applied Psychology

• Michael Baglivio, Youth Opportunity Investments, LLC

• Kevin Wolff, John Jay College of Criminal Justice / CUNY Graduate Center

• Katherine Jackowski, Youth Opportunity Investments, LLC