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Modrowski CA, Chaplo SD, Kerig PK. Youth Dually-Involved in the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Systems: Varying Definitions and Their Associations with Trauma Exposure, Posttraumatic Stress, & Offending. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2023; 150:106998. [PMID: 37745625 PMCID: PMC10512733 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.106998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Recently, scholars have placed increasing effort on better understanding the unique needs of youth involved in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. This study drew from the Developmental Cascade of Multisystem Involvement Framework to examine group differences in trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and offending among youth solely involved in the juvenile justice system and youth with varying degrees of dual-system involvement, including crossover youth (i.e., youth with a history of maltreatment and offending regardless of system involvement), dual-contact youth (i.e., youth who had a history of a substantiated CW maltreatment petition prior to their involvement in the current study), and dually-involved youth (i.e., youth under the care and custody of the state's child welfare system at the time of study participation). Four-hundred adolescents (25% girls, Mage = 15.97) who were recruited from a detention center and completed self-report measures assessing trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress, and offending. Juvenile justice and child welfare records also were collected. Results indicated that, compared to youth solely involved in the juvenile justice system, crossover youth reported significantly more exposure to traumatic events, more severe posttraumatic stress symptoms, and more self-reported offending. In contrast, results indicated few differences between dual-contact youth and youth solely involved in the juvenile justice system; these groups only differed in age and in recidivism charges. There also were few differences between dually-involved youth and youth solely involved in the juvenile justice system; these groups only differed in age and exposure to non-Criterion A traumatic events. The current results suggest that categorizing youth as crossover youth based on their own self-reported history of child maltreatment exposure resulted in more observed differences between dual-system youth and youth solely involved in juvenile justice. The present results have valuable implications for how we operationalize youth's system involvement and highlight the importance of examining child maltreatment as a point of prevention and intervention efforts for these youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crosby A Modrowski
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center 1 Hoppin Street, Suite 204, Providence, RI 02903
| | - Shannon D Chaplo
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute 105 Smith Level Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
| | - Patricia K Kerig
- University of Utah, Department of Psychology 380 S 1530 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
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Prince DM, Ray-Novak M, Gillani B, Peterson E. Sexual and Gender Minority Youth in Foster Care: An Evidence-Based Theoretical Conceptual Model of Disproportionality and Psychological Comorbidities. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2022; 23:1643-1657. [PMID: 33942681 DOI: 10.1177/15248380211013129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) are overrepresented in the foster care system and experience greater foster-care-related stressors than their non-SGM peers. These factors may further elevate their risk of anxiety/depressive, post-traumatic stress disorder, self-harm, and suicidality. The system currently produces unequal and disproportionate adverse mental health outcomes for SGMY and needs points of intervention to disrupt this status quo. This article provides an empirically grounded conceptual-theoretical model of disproportionate representation and burden of psychological comorbidities experienced by SGMY in the foster care system. We apply findings from an integrated literature review of empirical research on factors related to overrepresentation and mental health burden among SGMY to minority stress theory to explicate how and why the foster care system exacerbates mental health comorbidities for SGMY. Searches were conducted in June 2020 in PubMed using MeSH terms and title/abstract terms for foster care, sexual or gender minorities, and psychological comorbidities. Inclusion criteria are studies conducted in the United States, published in English, focused on mental illness, and published between June 2010 and 2020. Developmental/intellectual and eating disorders were excluded. The initial search returned 490 results. After applying inclusion criteria, 229 results remained and are utilized to build our conceptual-theoretical model. We assert that the phenomenon of disproportionate psychological comorbidities for SGMY in foster care is best represented as a complex and dynamic system with multiple feedback loops. Extant empirical and theoretical literature identifies three critical areas for intervention: family acceptance, community belonging and queer chosen/constructed family, and affirming and nondiscriminatory child welfare policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana M Prince
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, 2546Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Meagan Ray-Novak
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, 2546Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Braveheart Gillani
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, 2546Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Emily Peterson
- Department of Psychological Sciences, 2546Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Modrowski CA, Chaplo SD, Kerig PK. Advancing Our Understanding of the Risk Factors Associated with Crossover Youth in the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Systems: A Trauma-Informed Research Agenda. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2021; 25:283-299. [PMID: 34518924 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-021-00370-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has provided robust evidence demonstrating that a notable proportion of youth become involved in both the child welfare (CW) system and the juvenile justice (JJ) system, a population often referred to as crossover youth. Prior work has identified a number of risk factors associated with crossing over between these systems. However, there are limitations to the extant literature, key among which is a lack of systematic attention to the influence of trauma exposure and posttraumatic sequelae on the crossover trajectory. In contrast, viewing this research through a trauma-informed lens promises to enhance our ability to integrate findings across studies and to derive theoretically derived hypotheses about underlying mechanisms which will better inform future research and the development of effective prevention and intervention efforts. Accordingly, the purpose of this article is to present a trauma-informed research agenda that would strengthen future research in the field. After providing a brief critique of the existing studies that has documented known risk factors associated with the crossover population, we outline ways in which future research could apply relevant theoretical trauma-informed approaches, including developmental traumatology, to further advance our knowledge of risk factors and mechanisms associated with the crossover trajectory. We conclude by discussing policy and system-wide implications related to the proposed research agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crosby A Modrowski
- Alpert Medical School, Brown University/Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center, 1 Hoppin Street, Suite 204, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| | - Shannon D Chaplo
- Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Patricia K Kerig
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
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Herz DC, Eastman AL, Putnam-Hornstein E, McCroskey J. Dual system youth and their pathways in Los Angeles County: A replication of the OJJDP Dual System Youth Study. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 118:105160. [PMID: 34175505 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The estimated number of youth who come into contact with both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, or "dual system" youth, varies widely because studies use different methodologies. Recent work using linked administrative data shows promise for identifying a stable range of dual system rates, generalizable to other jurisdictions and useful for understanding the nature and timing of system involvement. OBJECTIVE This study replicates the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) Dual System Youth Design Study methodology to explore dual system overlap and six distinct dual system pathways defined by the type (i.e., nonconcurrent or concurrent) and timing (i.e., first contact with child welfare or juvenile justice) of dual system contact in Los Angeles County. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Using data from the Los Angeles Probation Department, a cohort of youth born in/after 1998 with a first juvenile justice petition between 2014 and 2016 was identified (N = 6877) and matched to statewide child welfare records between 1998 and 2017. METHOD Descriptive statistics were produced for dual system youth and pathways, and differences across groups were tested using chi-square and t-tests. RESULTS Two-thirds of youth with a first juvenile justice petition interacted with the child welfare system. The majority of dual system youth did not have contact with both systems at the same time and nearly all dual system youth were involved with the child welfare system before the juvenile justice system. Female and Black youth were more likely to be dual system youth and to have more extensive involvement with the child welfare system. Probation experiences and outcomes were associated with the nature and chronicity of child welfare involvement. CONCLUSION Implementing a delinquency prevention continuum that starts with community-based supports and continues throughout all levels of child welfare and juvenile justice involvement is essential to disrupting dual system involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise C Herz
- School of Criminal Justice, California State University Los Angeles, 5151 State University Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA.
| | - Andrea Lane Eastman
- Children's Data Network, USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Emily Putnam-Hornstein
- Children's Data Network, USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, USA; School of Social Work, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA; School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Jacquelyn McCroskey
- Children's Data Network, USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, USA
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Jefferson K, Stanhope KK, Jones-Harrell C, Vester A, Tyano E, Hall CDX. A scoping review of recommendations in the English language on conducting research with trauma-exposed populations since publication of the Belmont report; thematic review of existing recommendations on research with trauma-exposed populations. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254003. [PMID: 34324528 PMCID: PMC8321367 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify recommendations for conducting public health research with trauma-exposed populations. METHODS Researchers searched Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Open Grey, and Google Scholar for recommendations. Trauma that causes psychological impact was our exposure of interest and we excluded clinical articles on treating physical trauma. We reviewed titles and abstracts of 8,070 articles and full text of 300 articles. We analyzed recommendations with thematic analysis, generated questions from the existing pool of recommendations, and then summarized select gaps. RESULTS We abstracted recommendations from 145 articles in five categories: community benefit, participant benefit, safety, researcher well-being, and recommendations for conduct of trauma research. CONCLUSIONS Gold standards to guide the conduct of trauma-informed public health research do not yet exist. The literature suggests participation in trauma research is not inherently harmful, and current recommendations concern using research to benefit communities and participants, protecting participants and researchers from harm, and improving professional practice. As public health researchers increasingly analyze trauma as a determinant of health, gold standards for the conduct of trauma-informed public health research would be appropriate and timely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Jefferson
- Independent Researcher, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Kaitlyn K. Stanhope
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Carla Jones-Harrell
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Aimée Vester
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Emma Tyano
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Casey D. Xavier Hall
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Well-being, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
- Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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Francis A. Corrine C. Datchi and Julie R. Ancis (Eds.). Gender, Psychology, and Justice: The Mental Health of Women and Girls in the Legal System. J Youth Adolesc 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10964-021-01446-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Moreland A, Ressler KJ. A Perspective for Understanding Trauma and the Criminal Juvenile Justice System: Using a Trauma-Informed Lens for Meaningful and Sustained Change. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2021; 29:216-224. [PMID: 33660626 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder are common and are associated with a wide range of negative psychiatric and physical outcomes. Furthermore, a large percentage of justice-involved youth have high rates of trauma exposure and trauma-related symptoms. Addressing these issues would improve outcomes at the level of the justice system overall and in the lives of justice-involved youth. Nonetheless, awareness, education, and implementation of trauma-informed approaches in the criminal juvenile justice system are lacking. This article explores current literature that operationalizes trauma-informed practices and approaches in the criminal and juvenile justice systems. Unfortunately, there is no shared understanding or definition of trauma and no predictability in trauma-informed practices and approaches in the criminal juvenile justice system. Despite the presence of written policies, the application and execution of such policies are limited and inconsistent throughout the system. These limitations contribute to ongoing, systemic institutional racism, lack of mental health or substance abuse treatment, limited diversion options, and unnecessary jail and prison sentences, which together amplify financial and humanitarian costs. We argue that in order for the criminal juvenile justice system to become trauma-informed, it should (1) meet basic needs of clients, (2) check and change narratives, and check underlying assumptions, (3) focus on skill building/habilitation, (4) move away from punishment and toward rehabilitation and humanitarian approaches, and (5) heal and support members that work in and for the system. We conclude that there is a need to improve processes for education, training, and coaching in, and consistent application of, trauma-informed practices and approaches within the criminal and juvenile justice systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha Moreland
- From the Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health Sciences University (Dr. Moreland); Harvard Medical School (Dr. Ressler); McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA (Dr. Ressler)
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Graf GHJ, Chihuri S, Blow M, Li G. Adverse Childhood Experiences and Justice System Contact: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics 2021; 147:peds.2020-021030. [PMID: 33328338 PMCID: PMC7786827 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-021030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Given the wide-ranging health impacts of justice system involvement, we examined evidence for the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and justice system contact in the United States. OBJECTIVE To synthesize epidemiological evidence for the association between ACEs and justice system contact. DATA SOURCES We searched 5 databases for studies conducted through January 2020. The search term used for each database was as follows: ("aces" OR "childhood adversities") AND ("delinquency" OR "crime" OR "juvenile" OR criminal* OR offend*). STUDY SELECTION We included all observational studies assessing the association between ACEs and justice system contact conducted in the United States. DATA EXTRACTION Data extracted from each eligible study included information about the study design, study population, sample size, exposure and outcome measures, and key findings. Study quality was assessed by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for nonrandomized trials. RESULTS In total, 10 of 11 studies reviewed were conducted in juvenile population groups. Elevated ACE scores were associated with increased risk of juvenile justice system contact. Estimates of the adjusted odds ratio of justice system contact per 1-point increase in ACE score ranged from 0.91 to 1.68. Results were consistent across multiple types of justice system contact and across geographic regions. LIMITATIONS Most studies reviewed were conducted in juvenile justice-involved populations with follow-up limited to adolescence or early adulthood. CONCLUSIONS ACEs are positively associated with juvenile justice system contact in a dose-response fashion. ACE prevention programs may help reduce juvenile justice system contacts and improve child and adolescent health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stanford Chihuri
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York; and
| | | | - Guohua Li
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health and
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York; and
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He VY, Su JY, Guthridge S, Malvaso C, Howard D, Williams T, Leach A. Hearing and justice: The link between hearing impairment in early childhood and youth offending in Aboriginal children living in remote communities of the Northern Territory, Australia. HEALTH & JUSTICE 2019; 7:16. [PMID: 31667630 PMCID: PMC6822356 DOI: 10.1186/s40352-019-0097-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High prevalence of chronic middle ear disease has persisted in Australian Aboriginal children, and the related hearing impairment (HI) has been implicated in a range of social outcomes. This study investigated the association between HI in early childhood and youth offending. METHOD This was a retrospective cohort study of 1533 Aboriginal children (born between 1996 and 2001) living in remote Northern Territory communities. The study used linked individual-level information from health, education, child protection and youth justice services. The outcome variable was a youth being "found guilty of an offence". The key explanatory variable, hearing impairment, was based on audiometric assessment. Other variables were: child maltreatment notifications, Year 7 school enrolment by mother, Year 7 school attendance and community 'fixed- effects'. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the association between HI and youth offending; and the Royston R2 measure to estimate the separate contributions of risk factors to youth offending. RESULTS The proportion of hearing loss was high in children with records of offence (boys: 55.6%, girls: 36.7%) and those without (boys: 46.1%; girls: 49.0%). In univariate analysis, a higher risk of offending was found among boys with moderate or worse HI (HR: 1.77 [95% CI: 1.05-2.98]) and mild HI (HR: 1.54 [95% CI:1.06-2.23]). This association was attenuated in multivariable analysis (moderate HI, HR: 1.43 [95% CI:0.78-2.62]; mild HI, HR: 1.37 [95% CI: 0.83-2.26]). No evidence for an association was found in girls. HI contributed 3.2% and 6.5% of variation in offending among boys and girls respectively. Factors contributing greater variance included: community 'fixed-effects' (boys: 14.6%, girls: 36.5%), child maltreatment notification (boys: 14.2%, girls: 23.9%) and year 7 school attendance (boys: 7.9%; girls 12.1%). Enrolment by mother explained substantial variation for girls (25.4%) but not boys (0.2%). CONCLUSION There was evidence, in univariate analysis, for an association between HI and youth offending for boys however this association was not evident after controlling for other factors. Our findings highlight a range of risk factors that underpin the pathway to youth-offending, demonstrating the urgent need for interagency collaboration to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children in the Northern Territory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Yaofeng He
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory NT 0811 Australia
| | - Jiunn-Yih Su
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory NT 0811 Australia
| | - Steven Guthridge
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory NT 0811 Australia
| | - Catia Malvaso
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia SA 5005 Australia
| | - Damien Howard
- Phoenix Consulting, Nightcliff, Northern Territory NT 0810 Australia
| | - Tamika Williams
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory NT 0811 Australia
| | - Amanda Leach
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory NT 0811 Australia
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Prince DM, Vidal S, Okpych N, Connell CM. Effects of individual risk and state housing factors on adverse outcomes in a national sample of youth transitioning out of foster care. J Adolesc 2019; 74:33-44. [PMID: 31136857 DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Compared to their peers, youth who leave the foster care system without permanency experience greater risks for adverse young adult outcomes, including homelessness, incarceration, substance abuse, and early child birth. Extant literature focuses on individual-level factors related to adversity. In this study, we estimated the impact of state and individual-level risk and protective factors on adverse 19-year-old outcomes among a cohort of U.S. transition age youth. METHODS We used multilevel modeling to analyze prospective, longitudinal data from two waves of the National Youth in Transitions Database (N = 7449). These data were linked to the Adoption and Foster Care Reporting System, the Administration for Children and Families budget expenditures, and the American Community Survey for the period from 2011 to 2013. RESULTS Approximately 30% of the variation in each of the 19-year-old outcomes could be attributed to state-level effects. Residence in a state that spent above average of CFCIP budget on housing supports reduced the risk of homelessness and incarceration. Living in a state with a higher proportion of housing-burdened low-income renters significantly increased the risk of substance abuse and child birth. Individual-level risks were significant: racial/ethnic minority, male gender, past risk history, placement instability, child behavioral problems, residence in group home or runaway. Remaining in foster care at age 19 reduced the odds of homelessness, incarceration, and substance abuse. CONCLUSION Macro factors, including financial support for transition-age youth, and broader housing market characteristics, have a bearing on young adult outcomes, and raise policy questions across social and human service sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana M Prince
- Case Western Reserve University, Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, USA.
| | | | | | - Christian M Connell
- Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
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