Research suggests that homeless youth are disproportionately involved in the juvenile justice system and that, for youth, in general, there are many likely causes for adolescent criminal behavior (e.g., parental abuse, deviant peer relationships, and poverty). Existing studies on homeless youth often have not collected systematic data on criminal behavior, have not included comparison groups of housed adolescents, and/or have failed to use standardized measures with established psychometric properties. The present study examines the relationship between juvenile justice involvement and a variety of predictors reflecting background, behavior (e.g., conduct symptoms), family (e.g., conflict, parental communication), and peers (e.g., deviant relationships). Participants are from a preliminary sample of 317 adolescents (ages 13-17) from a larger longitudinal study. This sample includes 201 homeless youth recruited from a variety of sites throughout a large midwestern metropolitan area, plus 116 housed adolescents matched on demographic characteristics. Significant results (p<.05) from a hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that adolescents from lower income neighborhoods, from disorganized families with low parental monitoring, and those with more drug problems and a history of physical violence against their parents, were more likely to be involved in the juvenile justice system. Controlling for these various factors, homeless adolescents were still more likely to be involved in the juvenile justice system, suggesting that the experience of homelessness may, itself, promote contact with authorities. Implications for policy and intervention will be discussed. Analyses presented in November 2000 will be based on the full sample (N=450) and preliminary longitudinal analyses will be available.
Learning Objectives: Particpants will be presented with data on predictors of juvenile justice involvement for homeless adolescents and other at-risk youth. Participants will be able to identify the significant factors that put this population at a higher risk for juvenile justice involvement. During the session, the policy implications of these findings will be discussed, with specific attention to its relevance for criminal justice institutions and other social and public agencies
Keywords: Homelessness, Criminal Justice
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Wayne State University
H.A.L.O. Project: Housing, Adolescence and Life Outcomes Project
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.