1
|
Fernández-Moreno Á, Roncero D, Moreno-Fernández RD. A new approach to urinalysis: effectiveness of a contingency management program among adolescent offenders in Spain. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1364967. [PMID: 38765826 PMCID: PMC11100976 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1364967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background When addressing antisocial behaviour among adolescents, programs based on the paradigm of positive psychology through enhancing self-efficacy have demonstrated their effectiveness in furthering the positive development of young people with a history of antisocial behaviour. Nevertheless, there has been little research into the effectiveness of these type of programs in mitigating substance abuse among juvenile offenders. The aim of this paper is to analyse the effectiveness of a contingency management program in reducing the prevalence of relapses into drug consumption among adolescents who have committed serious crimes. Methods The study consisted of a sample of 91 male adolescents, between 15 and 19 years, in juvenile detention, who were divided into two treatment groups. For both groups, biological testing was used to detect drug consumption upon their re-turn from leave permits from the Centre. Results The quasi-experimental group had significantly lower rates of relapse than the quasi-control group. Furthermore, being part of the quasi-experimental group was a significant predictor of reduced rates of relapses. Conclusion The results suggest that the incorporation of treatment strategies which reinforce feelings of self-efficacy and adequate orientation towards the future, as a complement to disciplinary sanctions, are effective in reducing relapses in drug use among adolescent offenders.
Collapse
|
2
|
Deans E, Ravulo J, Conroy E, Abdo J. A qualitative study exploring young offenders' perspectives on alcohol and other drug health promotion. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:568. [PMID: 35317763 PMCID: PMC8941814 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12953-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Drugs and alcohol can cause significant harm to individuals, families and communities. Young offenders represent an important population group, which often sport many characteristics that make them highly vulnerable to experiencing harm from drug use. For decades, research has shown the complexity of health behaviours and the need to consider consumer perspectives to respond and support different populations effectively. Methods This study utilised qualitative inquiry to explore young offenders’ (aged 13 to 18 years) experiences with drug use. The study sought to discern the pathways to drug dependencies for young people and to understand how community organisations can better support young people involved with the justice system. Results Three themes were identified in the data. First, the clear lack of knowledge about how to reduce harm from drug use among young offenders. Second, the structural and environmental influences on drug use and the need to develop personal skills and knowledge, alongside advocating for supportive environments for good health. Third, the power and hope that a youth advocate with lived experience can bring to the harm prevention and health promotion field. Conclusions Community services have an integral role in ensuring drug and alcohol education is accessible for different youth populations. Importantly, health promotion organisations should raise awareness about the environmental influences on drug use behaviours, and work deliberately to include consumer perspectives in the design and planning of prevention and harm reduction strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joseph Abdo
- University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Güler Aksu G, Kütük MÖ, Tufan AE, Sanberk S, Güzel E, Dağ P, Tan ME, Akyol B, Toros F. Correlates and predictors of re-incarceration among Turkish adolescent male offenders: A single-center, cross-sectional study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2022; 80:101726. [PMID: 34924111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2021.101726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents involved in the legal system are known to be under elevated risk for repeat offending. There may be many reasons for recidivism. Specifically, we aim to investigate the clinical, socio-demographic, and familial factors and psychopathology among adolescents in a penal institution and to determine risk factors for re-incarceration. METHODS This single-center cross-sectional survey was conducted at Tarsus Closed Penal Institution for Children and Youth. This institution is for males only, and all male adolescents detained at the center within the study period were evaluated with semi-structured interviews (K-SADS-PL). The adolescents completed Meaning and Purpose of Life Scale, The EPOCH measure of Adolescent Well-being, Family Sense of Belonging Scale, Children's Alexithymia Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for themselves. Descriptive and inferential analyses were used. P was set at 0.05. RESULTS Ninety adolescent offenders with a mean age of 16.6 years (S·D = 0.7) were enrolled. Mean age at first offense was 14.6 years (S·D = 2.1). The most common reason for offenses was reported as as being with peers who were offenders, too (57.8%). Most common diagnoses were substance use (36.7%), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (33.3%), and conduct disorder (26.7%). Rates of offending and conviction in first-degree relatives were 62.2% and 60.0%, respectively, and most of the adolescents had at least one peer with a criminal record (n = 71, 78.9%). Re-incarcerated adolescents had lower education, committed more violent crimes, and reported elevated use of substances, suicide attempts, and psychopathology. However, in regression analysis, age of onset was the sole predictor of re-incarceration. CONCLUSION Turkish male adolescents in forensic settings may be screened for externalizing disorders and referred for treatment. Re-incarcerated Turkish youth may be more susceptible to peer influence, substance use and externalizing disorders. It may be prudent to systematically screen offending youth for psychiatric disorders regardless of the individual's request for treatment and refer identified cases to treatment. Integration of child and adolescent psychiatrists with penal institutions serving youth may help in this regard.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gülen Güler Aksu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mersin University School of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey.
| | - Meryem Özlem Kütük
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Başkent University School of Medicine, Adana, Turkey
| | - Ali Evren Tufan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Abant İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Satı Sanberk
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Private Practice, Adana, Turkey
| | - Esra Güzel
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Private Practice, Adana, Turkey
| | - Pelin Dağ
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mersin City Training and Research Hospital, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Muhammed Emin Tan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Kırşehir Training and Research Hospital, kırşehir, Turkey
| | - Betül Akyol
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Başkent University School of Medicine, Adana, Turkey
| | - Fevziye Toros
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mersin University School of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gjersing L, Bretteville-Jensen AL. Characteristics and risk of incarceration among "hard-to-reach" people who use drugs: A five-year prospective cohort study combining self-reports and registry data. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 95:103288. [PMID: 34004380 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103288] [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] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incarcerations are associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality among people who use drugs (PWUD). In a sample of 884 PWUD, we examine and estimate the risk of incarcerations (i.e., number, duration, and most serious offense). METHODS In this prospective cohort study, PWUD were recruited from street- and low-threshold services in seven Norwegian cities in 2013 (Sept-Nov), and followed through the Correctional Service Registry until 20.12.2018. The risk of incarceration during follow-up was examined with multivariable logistic (no incarceration vs. at least one) and multinomial regression models ("no incarcerations", vs. "1″, "≥2″), while accounting for gender, age, homelessness/shelter use, opioid substitution treatment, illegal income sources, injecting behaviours, previous incarcerations, and recruitment city. RESULTS During follow-up, there were in total 662 incarceration episodes, and 44.7% of the participants were incarcerated at least once. Overall, 37.5% of those incarcerated had at least one episode due to a drug offense. The average incarceration duration was 65.2 days with 3.5% of the episodes lasting ≥one year. Gender (male), homelessness/shelter use, illegal income sources, injecting stimulants, and previous incarcerations increased the odds of incarceration, while older age decreased the odds. Gender (male), younger age, self-reported theft or theft and dealing, injecting stimulants or heroin and stimulants and previous incarcerations increased the risk of multiple incarcerations. CONCLUSION In a five-year prospective study of PWUD, incarcerations were common, and short-term sentences and recidivism were the norm. This is of concern as incarcerations add to an already elevated morbidity and mortality risk in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linn Gjersing
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Postboks 222 Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Anne Line Bretteville-Jensen
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Postboks 222 Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shepherd SM, Spivak B, Ashford LJ, Williams I, Trounson J, Paradies Y. Closing the (incarceration) gap: assessing the socio-economic and clinical indicators of indigenous males by lifetime incarceration status. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:710. [PMID: 32423391 PMCID: PMC7236374 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08794-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Approximately 1 in 5 to 1 in 6 Indigenous Australian males are currently imprisoned or have previously been imprisoned. Recent work has also pointed to a widening socio-economic gap within the Indigenous population. Given the myriad social, wellbeing and environmental risk factors associated with justice-involvement, it is conceivable that incarceration may contribute to the increasing disparities found within the Indigenous population. This study aimed to explore the presence and extent of an ‘incarceration gap’ within the Indigenous population and to uncover which social factors characterise the disparity. Methods The study utilised data from the 2014–5 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey (NATSISS). A number of socio-economic, environmental and clinical factors were compared by life-time incarceration status. Chi-square tests were used to examine the association between incarceration status and each of the comparison variables. Results Disparities were observed within the Indigenous Australian population across a number of important health and socio-economic markers by incarceration status - the most pronounced being for educational obtainment – year 10 completion (Never incarcerated 73%, Ever incarcerated 50%), labour force participation (Never incarcerated 56%, Ever incarcerated 26%) and drug/alcohol problems (Never incarcerated 7%, Ever incarcerated 29%). Never-incarcerated Indigenous males yielded aggregate proportions across numerous variables that approximated or matched general Australian population estimates. Conclusions There appears to be evidence for a substantial ‘incarceration gap’ within the Indigenous Australian population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephane M Shepherd
- Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology, 1/582 Heidelberg Rd, Alphington, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Ben Spivak
- Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology, 1/582 Heidelberg Rd, Alphington, Victoria, Australia
| | - Linda J Ashford
- Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology, 1/582 Heidelberg Rd, Alphington, Victoria, Australia
| | - Isabel Williams
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, University Rd, Coventry, UK
| | - Justin Trounson
- Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology, 1/582 Heidelberg Rd, Alphington, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yin Paradies
- Alfred Deakin Research Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Johnson A, Corte C, Culbert G, Finnegan L, Tarlov E, Maskaly J, Lusk B. Possible selves, psychological well-being, and substance use in young men within 12 months post-incarceration. Public Health Nurs 2020; 37:494-503. [PMID: 32374044 DOI: 10.1111/phn.12738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Community reentry post-incarceration is fraught with challenges. The investigators examined the influence of highly personalized goals (possible selves) on psychological well-being, drug use, and hazardous drinking in recently incarcerated young men returning to the community. DESIGN AND SAMPLE In this cross-sectional study, 52 young men released from jail or prison within the past 12 months were recruited from community-based organizations and reentry events. MEASUREMENTS Participants completed open-ended possible selves measure and psychological well-being and substance use questionnaires. RESULTS Possible selves accounted for 19%-31% of the variance in sense of purpose, environmental mastery, and personal growth. Having a feared delinquent possible self was associated with lower sense of purpose. Having many feared possible selves was associated with lower environmental mastery. Having an expected possible self related to interpersonal relationships was associated with higher personal growth and environmental mastery. Men having a feared delinquent possible self or an expected possible self related to material/lifestyle were more likely to use marijuana than men who did not. CONCLUSION The content and number of possible selves may be an important focus for assessment by public health nurses in correctional and community settings serving young men post-incarceration. Longitudinal studies with larger samples are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Johnson
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Colleen Corte
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gabriel Culbert
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lorna Finnegan
- Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elizabeth Tarlov
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jon Maskaly
- University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Brigid Lusk
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Butcher L, Day A, Miles D, Kidd G. A Comparative Analysis of the Risk Profiles of Australian Young Offenders From Rural and Urban Communities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2019; 63:2483-2500. [PMID: 31165656 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x19853110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Australian young people from rural areas, particularly Aboriginal young people, are overrepresented in the juvenile justice system. Apart from broad evidence regarding the entrenched social disadvantages experienced by young people in rural communities, the literature is limited in describing why this might be case. Due to these social disadvantages, it is hypothesised that young offenders from rural communities will have higher levels of offending risk factors, as measured by the Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory-Australian Adaption (YLS/CMI-AA). A total of 6,750 archival records were analysed, showing that significantly more Aboriginal young offenders live in rural areas. Contrary to the hypothesis, urban young offenders had significantly higher risk scores than rural young offenders. These findings suggest that there may be particular ecological factors that are not assessed in the current risk assessment instrument or that rural young people have a range of protective factors that may insulate against the broader context of social disadvantage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Butcher
- 1 James Cook University, Maitland, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Day
- 2 James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Debra Miles
- 2 James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Garry Kidd
- 3 James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Walker S, Higgs P, Stoové M, Wilson M. Narratives of Young Men With Injecting Drug Use Histories Leaving Adult Prison. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2018; 62:3681-3707. [PMID: 29284377 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x17747829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This research focuses on an under-examined aspect of the post-release prison trajectory for a seldom-researched cohort. Narratives of the immediate days/weeks surrounding release were gathered from young men with histories of injecting drug use (IDU). Twenty-eight participants (aged 19-24) released from adult prisons in Victoria, Australia, participated in face-to-face in-depth qualitative interviews after release. Analysis of findings through the lens of a "risk environment" framework reveals how their experiences were compromised by risk factors embedded in the physical spaces and social situations they inhabited, as well as the multi-sectoral policy environments under which they were governed. A complex interplay between these factors, young men's drug use and broader issues of structural vulnerability, including institutionalization and social disadvantage, combined to limit young men's chances of "success"1 on the outside. Narratives provide evidence for interventions that transform risk environments into enabling environments, thereby promoting a more successful transition from prison to community for young men with IDU histories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shelley Walker
- 1 Curtin University, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
- 2 Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Higgs
- 2 Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- 3 La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Stoové
- 2 Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mandy Wilson
- 4 Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Utilizing Bacchi’s poststructuralist approach, “What’s the problem represented to be?,” we critically examine how the “problem” of drug use in prison is represented within a key initiative—the Identified Drug User program (IDUP)—of prison drug policy in one Australian jurisdiction. We use two data sources for our analysis: interview transcripts of recently incarcerated young men (aged 19–24) with histories of injecting drug use and selected prison drug policy and program documents. We examine how the “problem” of drug use in prison is problematized within the IDUP and question commonly accepted ways of thinking that underpin the program. We explore the discursive and subjectification effects of problem representations which produce young men as “rational” and “choosing” and, at the same time, as “untrustworthy” and “deserving of punishment.” We highlight how these effects have consequences for young men’s connections to family while incarcerated which can work against the very issues the IDUP is trying to address. We make two claims in particular: that the IDUP produces harmful effects for young men and their families and that the harmful effects produced are, paradoxically, those the IDUP aims to avoid. Our analysis offers insights into how drug use in prison could be thought about differently, including suggestions that might reduce at least some of its adverse effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shelley Walker
- National Drug Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kari Lancaster
- Centre for Social Research in Health, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Stoové
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Higgs
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mandy Wilson
- National Drug Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|