Further Exploration of Parental Incarceration and Criminality Among Gun-Involved Youth - CANCELLED

• In Event: The Complex Relationship Between Risk Factors, Protective Factors, and Juvenile Offending and Victimization

Abstract

Previous literature has shown mixed results regarding the impact that parental incarceration and criminality have on juvenile outcomes. Many of these studies, however, have only been able to assess these variables as a binary measure, limiting our understanding of the extent of their impact. Using official court and criminal history records, this study is able to further examine the effects of parental criminality and incarceration through detailed measures of the parent’s juvenile record, convicted offenses, etc. Our sample includes 440 youth who were convicted of a gun related offense and referred to a three-day youth diversion program. Of the youth involved in the study, 20.4% have at least one parent who has been incarcerated while 80% have at least one parent with an adult criminal record. Preliminary findings suggest how we measure parental involvement with the criminal justice system matters when assessing youth outcomes such as completion of the juvenile diversion program and the severity and type of offenses they commit. Implications for theory and policy are discussed.

Authors

• Kelsie Powell, Indiana University Bloomington

• Jennifer O'Neill, Indiana University Bloomington

• Natalie Hipple, Indiana University Bloomington