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Neurodisability among Children at the Nexus of the Child Welfare and Youth Justice System

Susan Baidawi1, Alex R Piquero2,3

  • 1Department of Social Work, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, Monash University, PO Box 197, Caulfield East, VIC, 3145, Australia. susan.baidawi@monash.edu.

Journal of Youth and Adolescence
|April 18, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Nearly half of crossover children in the youth justice and child welfare systems have a neurodisability. These children face more adversity, enter out-of-home care earlier, and have higher rates of offending.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Criminology
  • Child Welfare Studies

Background:

  • Neurodisability is prevalent in child welfare and youth justice populations.
  • Limited research exists on neurodisability in crossover children with dual system involvement.
  • Understanding neurodisability is crucial for addressing offending behaviors in vulnerable youth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate differences in childhood adversity, child protection involvement, and offending among crossover children based on neurodisability status.
  • To identify specific risks and patterns associated with neurodisability in this dual-system involved cohort.
  • To inform interventions and support systems for crossover children with neurodisability.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from 300 crossover children (aged 10-21) involved in Australian children's courts and child protection services.
  • Comparison of outcomes (adversity, care entry, offending onset, charge types) between children with and without neurodisability.
  • Statistical examination of differences in cumulative maltreatment, out-of-home care, and offending trajectories.

Main Results:

  • 48% of crossover children exhibited a neurodisability.
  • Children with neurodisability experienced greater cumulative maltreatment, earlier out-of-home care entry, and earlier offending onset.
  • Neurodisability was associated with more caregiver relinquishment, residential care, and a higher volume of charges, particularly for criminal damage and motor vehicle theft, but not violent charges.

Conclusions:

  • Neurodisability is a significant factor influencing the experiences and outcomes of crossover children.
  • The prevalence of neurodisability and child welfare system responses contribute to offending trends in this population.
  • Targeted support and interventions addressing neurodisability are essential for crossover children involved in multiple systems.

Keywords:
Child welfareCrossover youthDelinquencyJuvenile justiceNeurodisabilityResidential care

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