Future Directions in Youth Justice Research

Question 1

Based on the nation survey on homeless youth, which categories (age, gender, culture) of youth are most likely to be homeless?

Answer 1

Age Range: 12-24 (average age - 20.5); mostly mid teens & young adults

Gender: Male (51.8%) more so than females (40.2%) & other (10.8%)

Indigenous Youth - made up 31.7% of the sample
why? lack of connection to land & culture

Question 2

What are adverse childhood experiences & the 3 types of ACEs?

Answer 2

negative, stressful, traumatizing events that occur before the age of 18 and confer health & social risk across the lifespan (including crime)

Types:
Abuse - physical; emotional; sexual
Neglect - physical & emotional
Household Dysfunction - mental illness; divorce; substance abuse; incarcerated relative, etc.

Question 3

What groups are higher in ACE?

Answer 3

Females (66.9%) more than Males (48.3)
Black
Indigenous
Child Protection/foster care youth
LGBTQ+
Those who experience homelessness before the age of 16

Question 4

Why are some youth banned from
homeless shelters?

Answer 4

Adverse Childhood Experiences
Experienced Violent Victimization
Engaged in Survival Sex
Longer current episodes of homelessness
Involvement with the CJS

Alcohol and substance abuse was not predictor (harm reduction or low barrier shelters)

Question 5

How would General Strain Theory explain why some youth are more resilient than others?

Answer 5

negative relationships with others and negative experiences produce strain that he/she must manage

one can manage such strains legitimately if the actor has effective coping mechanisms

Agnew argues that adolescents who are self-efficacious, who have extensive social support networks, and who have a positive self-concept are more resilient than those who lack healthy coping mechanisms in response to strain