Young Offenders

Question 1

What are the 3 major historical events for the youth criminal justice system

Answer 1

1908: Juvenile Delinquent Act
- a separate court system was created for ages 7-16 where parents could be involved
1984: Youth Offender act
- children at least 12 could be charged, but recognized developmental differences for youth
2003: Youth criminal justice act
- worked to prevent youth crimes, provide meaningful consequences and improve rehabilitation

Question 2

Describe the brain development theory of antisocial behavior

Answer 2

(1) Youth brains undergo 4 main changes: neurotransmitter changes, synaptic pruning, myelination and neural connections grow
(2) Frontal lobe is still developing that is responsible for impulse and decision making

Question 3

Describe the cognitive theory of antisocial behavior

Answer 3

The Dodge model states individuals should (1) interpret social cue in their environment (2) they consider alternative responses to these cues and (3) response is chosen
- those with less control over this, and are more likely to engage in aggressive behavior

Question 4

Describe reactive versus proactive agression

Answer 4

Reactive: reaction to a perceived threat
Proactive: is agression with a specific goal

Question 5

Describe the social theory of antisocial behavior

Answer 5

1. children learn behaviors from observing others especially their parents
2. Peer influences

Question 6

Describe internalization and externalization of behavior

Answer 6

1. Children who internalize their problems experience emotional difficulties like anxiety, depression and obsessions
2. Those who externalize have behavioral difficulties like delinquency, fighting or bullying

Question 7

What is ADHD in relation to youth offences

Answer 7

ADHD is a pattern of hyperactivity or impulsivity that can interfere with functioning or development
- has a 26% prevalence, youth with ADHD offend earlier

Question 8

What is oppositional defiant disorder in relation to youth offences

Answer 8

ODD is a pattern of negativistic, hostile or defiant behaviors
- 40% of children with ODD develop CD

Question 9

What is conduct disorder

Answer 9

CD is a pattern of behavior where a youth violates the rights of others or age-appropriate social norms
- 30-50% receive a diagnosis of ASPD

Question 10

List 3 Individual risk factors for antisocial behavior

Answer 10

1. Parental history of behavioral difficulties like ADHD
2. Maternal substance abuse during pregnancy
3. Infant and child temperament

Question 11

List some familiar risk factors

Answer 11

• Children who suffered abuse or neglect, family conflict like divorce, parenting style, Low SES household, parental mental health problems or substance abuse

Question 12

List some social risk factors

Answer 12

• Troubles with reading and lower overall intelligence, child who play agresesive or have early conduct disorder symptoms, social rejection and involvement with antisocial peers

Question 13

List some protective factors

Answer 13

• exceptional social skills or competencies, confident attitudes, a positive parent-child relationship, peer social support

Question 14

Describe the primary intervention strategy

Answer 14

Goal of decreasing the likelihood of engagement in criminal behavior
- works with the family, school and community with diverse programs

Question 15

Describe the secondary intervention strategy

Answer 15

Goal is to limit future criminal behavior for youth who demonstrated problematic behavior
- provides social and clinical services, uses the same programs as primary intervention

Question 16

Describe the tertiary intervention strategy

Answer 16

Goal is focused on treatment rather than prevention to minimize impact of risk factor
- includes inpatient treatment or community-based programs