From Foster Care to the Juvenile Justice System: A Systematic Review

• In Event: New Frontiers in Juvenile Justice: Exploring Contemporary Issues

Abstract

Children in the foster care system are entering into the juvenile justice system at an alarming rate. While the foster care system is designed to be a short-term, safe haven for children, it has since become a shuttle to the justice system. Case managers are outnumbered and overworked leading to a high burn out rate while the children in the system are dealing with unresolved mental health issues, behavioral disturbances, and educational deficits. A systematic review shows that these unresolved and unaddressed issues have been leading factors for children who move between the foster care and juvenile justice system. Labeled as crossover youth, findings show that there is a lack of collaboration and communication between both the foster care and juvenile justice system. This has negatively affected these youth and without a solution in place, these youth are at risk for continued offending. With that being said, improved communication and collaboration between the two systems and programs for these youth will be essential to reduce recidivism and help these vulnerable youth.

Authors

• Breana Frazier, Florida International University

• Tim Goddard, Florida International University