Six years on: A prospective cohort study of male juvenile offenders in secure care

Prathiba Chitsabesan, Justine Rothwell, Cassandra Kenning, Heather Law, Lesley-Anne Carter, Sue Bailey, Andrew Clark

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Longitudinal studies are helpful in understanding developmental trajectories and recognising opportunities for early intervention. This paper describes the long-term needs and mental health of an initial sample of male juvenile offenders, now adults 6 years after their index admission to secure care. In this prospective cohort study of 97 male juvenile offenders admitted to secure, offenders were assessed initially on admission, 2 and 6 years later. Interviews were conducted with 54 offenders at the 6-year follow-up and included an assessment of psychosocial need, mental health and psychopathy. Outcome data on offending behaviour were collected on a total of 71 offenders. Persistent offenders have needs in multiple domains as they transition into adulthood. The majority of offenders were single and about a half were in neither employment nor training. Almost nine out of ten offenders had a substance misuse disorder and a similar number met the criteria for a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder. Substance misuse in adolescence was strongly correlated with later substance misuse in adulthood, emphasising the importance of early intervention. A diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder and living with friends and family were both significantly associated with persistent offending behaviour. Many offenders continued to reoffend despite receiving offence-related interventions and custodial care. Interventions currently aimed at reducing recidivism in more severe offenders appear to be ineffective. Persistent offenders would benefit from a multi-modal approach based on individual needs, rather than receiving generic interventions. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)339-347
Number of pages8
JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Volume21
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2012

Keywords

  • Antisocial personality disorder
  • Mental health
  • Needs
  • Offender
  • Psychopathy and substance misuse

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