Use of multiple services from childhood to early adulthood among violent juvenile offenders: a document-based...

Young violent offenders frequently face significant developmental adversities, including learning difficulties, mental disorders, and substance use during childhood and adolescence. Many also grow up in circumstances requiring child welfare interventions. However, limited information is available regarding the services provided to them.

To describe the timing, duration and components of school support services, child welfare services, as well as mental health services and substance abuse services used by young violent offenders.

Data were derived from the forensic psychiatric examination statements of 42 Finnish violent offenders aged 15-22 years and analyzed using qualitative and quantitative content analyses.

Almost all young people (95%) had used at least one service. Service use typically began between ages 7 and 12, with school support services accessed more frequently than other services during this period. The highest rate of single-service use occurred at ages 8-9. Adolescence was characterized by the most extensive multiservice involvement, with the combination of school support, mental health, and child welfare services peaking at age 15. Interruptions longer than one year were more frequent in mental health services than in other services. Evidence-based parent training, multidimensional family therapy, and specialized placements for youth with substance use and mental health problems were used only seldom.

Most youth who committed violent offences had received multiple services during childhood and adolescence. Our results highlight the need to develop the timing, suitability and acceptability of services for this specific group of young people in their youth.