Poster #101 - Adverse Childhood Experiences, Mental Health, Substance Use among Justice-Involved Individuals

• In Event: Poster Session II (posters 80 – 155)

Abstract

Individuals involved in the criminal justice system often report higher levels of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), as well as adverse mental health outcomes and substance use. Recent research highlights the importance of examining co-occurring mental health concerns and substance use among justice-involved individuals, as understanding these patterns can better support holistic services (Morgan, 2025). The current study analyzed a subsample of adults (n = 234) who indicated involvement with the criminal justice system (e.g., been arrested, spent time in jail or prison, served probation or parole sentences, etc.) from a large statewide survey. With latent class analyses, three classes were found: 1) low substance use and mental health concerns (8.5%), 2) average substance use and high mental health concerns (10.9%), and 3) high substance use and mental health concerns (80.6%). ACEs were highest among those in Class 2 (M = 3.91) and Class 3 (M = 3.57), compared to those in Class 1 (M = 1.99). Classes 2 and 3 also had the highest levels of criminal justice involvement (i.e., arrests, time in jail or prison), compared to those in Class 1. This study offers important implications informing holistic mental health, substance use, and trauma-informed services for justice-involved adults.

Authors

• Junghu Im, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

• Rachel Garthe, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

• Haley Miller, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign