Childhood maltreatment and psychopathy in Chinese juvenile offenders: person-centered perspective.

BACKGROUND: Childhood maltreatment stands as a salient risk factor in the etiology of juvenile delinquency, with a profound impact on the behavioral trajectories of young offenders. However, there is limited research on latent profile analysis to explore distinctive patterns of childhood maltreatment in Chinese juvenile offenders. Consequently, there is a lack of understanding regarding the associations between maltreatment profiles and relevant variables in this context. The present study aimed to explore meaningful subgroups of childhood maltreatment in juvenile offenders, and we further examined the associations between subgroups and multiple outcomes especially psychopathy. METHODS: The data was obtained from a sample of Chinese juvenile offenders (N = 625, M age = 17.22, SD = 1.23). This study employed a latent profile analysis (LPA) based on factor scores of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form to identify the subgroups and examined the differences across subgroups using outcomes variables including psychopathy, callous-unemotional traits, aggression and anxiety. This study includes three self-report measures to evaluate psychopathy, with due regard for the nuanced considerations on the factor structure inherent in the conceptualization of psychopathy. RESULTS: Two subgroups were identified, including the non-maltreatment subgroup (80.2%) and the maltreatment subgroup (19.8%). Maltreatment subgroup was characterized by a greater level of all types of maltreatment with particularly higher of emotion neglect. Besides, we found that maltreatment subgroup showed a significantly higher level of psychopathy across multiple self-report measures, and greater callous-unemotional traits, lack of empathy, aggression and anxiety. We found two subgroups of child maltreatment in Chinese juvenile offenders. CONCLUSIONS: These findings may provide a further understanding of childhood maltreatment and the clinical intervention on psychopathy in the early period.

A Systematic Review of Multisystemic Therapy in Adolescent Sex Offenders.

Multisystemic therapy (MST) is an intense, family-focused, community-based treatment designed for youth with criminal behaviors. Literature on its usefulness among juvenile sexual offenders (JSOs) remains limited. We conducted a systematic review of published studies assessing effectiveness of MST among JSOs. A comprehensive search of published studies, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, was undertaken using multiple databases. Search terms included "multisystemic therapy" or "multisystemic family therapy." A total of 542 articles were obtained on initial search. After excluding duplicates, 297 articles were included in further analysis that yielded 48 articles for full-text analysis. Six randomized controlled trials of MST, comprising 231 juvenile sex-offenders, were assessed for final review. MST performed favorably relative to alternative treatments among juvenile sex offenders while also demonstrating lasting treatment effect on sustained follow-up.

Investigating Trauma Symptomology as a Mediator of the Relationships Between Childhood Maltreatment and Sexual and Non-Sexual Delinquency.

Maltreatment is a risk factor for both sexual and non-sexual delinquency. Little is known about how specific forms of maltreatment relate to the distinct offending outcomes. Though trauma symptoms have been associated with maltreatment and delinquency, the intervening role of trauma symptoms in pathways from maltreatment to offending is not well understood. The goal of the current study was to test social learning and general strain theory explanations for sexual and non-sexual delinquency in adolescence, exploring trauma symptoms as a mediator between the four major types of maltreatment and offending outcomes. Data were collected via surveys of 136 incarcerated youth at seven residential treatment and community corrections facilities in a Midwestern state. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to establish a measurement model, and structural equation modeling was employed to test direct and indirect pathways from maltreatment to offending. Individual forms of maltreatment had differential relationships with offending outcomes, with neglect having a significant association with non-sexual delinquency, and sexual abuse having a significant direct relationship with sexual delinquency. Trauma symptomology did not mediate these relationships. Future research should explore developmentally appropriate proxies for measuring childhood trauma. Practice and policy should consider the role of maltreatment victimization history in the inception of delinquency behaviors, prioritizing therapeutic alternatives to detention and incarceration.

Promotive, Mixed, and Risk Effects of Individual Items Comprising the SAPROF Assessment Tool With Justice-Involved Youth.

The Structured Assessment of PROtective Factors for violence risk (SAPROF) is a widely used structured professional judgment (SPJ) tool. Its indices have predictive validity regarding desistance from future violence in adult correctional/forensic psychiatric populations. Although not intended for applied use with youth, SAPROF items lend themselves to an investigation of whether their operationalizations capture only strengths or also risks. With 229 justice-involved male adolescents followed for a fixed 3-year period, promotive, risk, and mixed effects were found. Most SAPROF items exerted a mixed effect, being associated with higher and lower likelihoods of violent and any reoffending at opposite ends of their trichotomous ratings. Summing items weighted using their promotive and risk odds ratios produced statistically significant improvements in predictive accuracy, improvements found also with a cross-validation sample of 171 justice-involved youth. The nature of strengths and implications for the development of SPJ tools and training in their use were discussed.

The company you keep: The neglected role of affiliating with delinquent friends in the development of the cannabis-violence link.

A growing body of research suggests a potential role of cannabis use on aggressive behaviors. In literature on adolescents, the lack of consideration of important confounders, such as adolescent's affiliation with delinquent peers, limits the possibility to determine whether there might be a direct or indirect link between cannabis use and aggression. Therefore, we sought to examine the effect of delinquent peers on the association between cannabis use and violence. We re-analyzed data from 850 ninth graders who were followed from mid-adolescence to early adulthood. Generalized Estimations Equations (GEE) were conducted to examine whether affiliation with delinquent peers may mediate the relationship between cannabis use and violence. Cross-Lagged Panel Models were also conducted to estimate the directionality of these relationships over time. We additionally tested whether similar relationships may be identifiable when examining rule-breaking behaviors and/or alcohol use. GEE models revealed that both cannabis use and affiliation with delinquent peers were statistically associated with aggressive behaviors. Cannabis use, alcohol use and delinquent peers also predicted rule-breaking behaviors. More precisely, cross-lagged models showed that affiliation with delinquent peers played a partially mediating role in the cannabis-aggression link, and that similar cross-lagged estimates were observed when examining rule-breaking behaviors instead of aggression. Our results indicate that cannabis use may be associated with aggression as well as rule-breaking behaviors, suggesting a broader effect on conduct problems. More importantly, our study highlights the non-negligible role of affiliating with delinquent peers during adolescence.

Psicologia e política de Assistência Social: discursos sobre a violência infantojuvenil / Psicología y política de Asistencia Social: discursos sobre la violencia Infantil y juvenil / Psychology and Social Assistance: discourses on child and youth violence

Esse trabalho trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa de revisão narrativa que busca apresentar e discutir as práticas da Psicologia na política de Assistência Social em situações de violência infantojuvenil, tendo como fonte de informações as publicações científicas da área. A pesquisa foi realizada em três bases de dados e contou com um montante final de 23 artigos que foram lidos e analisados. O tema mostra-se relevante pois, ainda nos dias de hoje, crianças e adolescentes aparecem como as maiores vítimas de violência no Brasil e a política de Assistência Social se apresenta como um importante espaço de intervenção visando o enfrentamento de tais situações. Por meio da análise dos artigos científicos, conclui-se que as práticas descritas nas produções ora se articulam com matrizes de pensamento individualizantes e hegemônicas da Psicologia, ora produzem discursos que buscam a construção de saberes pautados na perspectiva social, territorial e no pensamento crítico. (AU)

This paper presents qualitative research of narrative review, which seeks to present and discuss the interventions of Psychology in the Social Assistance policy in situations of child and youth violence, havingassourceofinformationthescientificpublications. The research was conducted in three databases and had a final amount of 23 articles that were read and analyzed.The theme is relevant, because even today children and adolescents appear as the biggest victims of violence in Brazil and the Social Assistance presents itself as an important space for confrontation in this situations. Through the analysis of scientific articles, it is concluded that these productions point practices that sometimes are articulate with individualizing and hegemonic thought matrices of Psychology and in another moment produce discourses that seek to build knowledge based on the social, territorial perspective and on critical thinking. (AU)

Este trabajo presenta una investigación cualitativa de revisión narrativa, que busca presentar y discutir las intervenciones de la Psicología en la política de Asistencia Social en situaciones de violencia infantil y juvenil, teniendo como fuente de información las publicaciones científicasdel area.La investigación se realizó en tres bases de datos y contó con un total de 23 artículos que fueron leídos y analizados. El tema se muestra relevante, ya que aún en la actualidad los niños y adolescentes aparecen como las principales víctimas de violencia en Brasil, y la política de Asistencia Social se presenta como un importante espacio de confrontacionfrente a estas situaciones. A través del análisis de artículos científicos, se concluye que estas producciones apuntan prácticas descritas a veces se articulan con matrices de pensamiento individualizantes y hegemónicas de la Psicología, mientras que otras veces producen discursos que buscan la construcción de saberes basados en la perspectiva social, territorial y en el pensamiento crítico. (AU)

Diferencias de género en la agresividad en jóvenes infractores en Medellín, Colombia

(analítico) La investigación sobre agresividad en jóvenes delincuentes es insuficiente en Colombia y, en consecuencia, no hay suficiente información sobre las diferencias de género en esta población. No evaluar e intervenir este comportamiento desde un enfoque de diferencias sexuales impacta negativamente la efectividad de las políticas criminales. En esta investigación participaron 1050 jóvenes infractores, seleccionados por conveniencia. Se incluyeron 855 hombres y 195 mujeres de 14 a 19 años de edad residentes en Medellín (Antioquia). Los principales resultados fueron: 1) muy altos niveles de agresividad proactiva, reactiva y total en los adolescentes infractores; 2) la existencia de diferencias en la agresividad proactiva y agresividad total en las mujeres comparadas con los hombres; y 3) la variación de la agresividad de acuerdo con ciertas variables sociodemográficas y asociadas con el delito.

(analytical) Research on aggressiveness among young offenders is insufficient in Colombia and, consequently, there is not enough information on gender differences related to aggression for this population. Failure to evaluate and intervene with this behavior using a gender perspective negatively impacts the effectiveness of criminal policies. A total of 1050 young offenders, selected based on ease of access, participated in this research study. The population consisted of 855 males and 195 females between 14 and 19 years of age living in Medellín. The main results were: 1) there were very high levels of proactive, reactive and total aggressiveness in adolescent offenders; 2) there were differences in proactive aggressiveness and total aggressiveness in females compared to males; and 3) levels of aggressiveness varied depending on certain sociodemographic and crime-associated variables.

(analítico) A pesquisa sobre a agressividade em jovens infratores é insuficiente na Colômbia e, conseqüentemente, não há informações suficientes sobre as diferenças de gênero nesta população. Não avaliar e intervir neste comportamento a partir de uma perspectiva de gênero tem um impacto negativo na eficácia das políticas criminais. Esta pesquisa envolveu 1050 jovens infratores, selecionados por conveniência. Entre eles estavam 855 homens e 195 mulheres entre 14 e 19 anos de idade morando em Medellín. Os principais resultados foram: 1) níveis muito altos de agressividade proativa, reativa e total nos adolescentes infratores; 2) a existência de diferenças na agressividade proativa e total nas mulheres em comparação com os homens, e 3) a variação da agressividade de acordo com certas variáveis sociodemográficas e relacionadas ao crime.

El sicariato: una mirada al fenómeno desde la perspectiva criminológica / Contract assasination: a criminological perspective on the phenomenon / Sicariato: uma perspectiva criminológica sobre o fenômeno

Antecedentes: el sicariato es un fenómeno de violencia que afecta a la sociedad contemporánea, en medio de valores relativos al respeto de la vida y la integridad humana. En Colombia, los datos y cifras de los homicidios evidencian que durante los años 2017-2020 se presentaron aproximadamente 26 161 casos en la modalidad sicariato; las motivaciones se asocian fundamentalmente al narcotráfico, economías ilegales, disputas territoriales y factores sociales. Objetivo: identificar la etimología de la palabra "sicario", características, investigaciones y algunas tendencias generacionales sobre el sicariato. Método: este estudio se realizó desde un enfoque cualitativo, diseño documental mediante la revisión de algunas teorías sobre subculturas criminales (Cohen, 1955), el aprendizaje de la conducta delictiva (Sutherland, 1974), aprendizaje social (Bandura, 1987; Becker, 1974), crimen y castigo (Bourdieu, 1997), el entorno social que lo rodea y economía criminal, otros autores y revisión bases de datos: Mendeley, Proquest, Redalyc, base, BBC learning english, entre otros. Resultados: este trabajo permitió recoger conceptos, características, tendencias delictivas y análisis criminológicos del fenómeno; se establecen algunas tipologías, por modus operandi y capacidad del perpetrador del hecho punible, surgimiento del sicariato en Colombia y algunas características de los códigos de conducta de las dos últimas generaciones de sicarios. Finalmente, se plantean las conclusiones.

Background: hired assassination is a phenomenon of violence that affects contemporary society, amidst values related to respect for life and human integrity. In Colombia, homicide data and figures show that during the years 2017-2020 there were approximately 26 161 cases in the form of hired killings; the motivations mainly associated with drug trafficking, illegal economies, territorial disputes and social factors. Objective: to identify the etymology of the word "sicario", characteristics, research and some generational trends regarding contract killing. Method: this study was conducted based on a qualitative approach, documentary design by reviewing several theories on criminal subcultures (Cohen, 1955), learning about criminal behaviour (Sutherland, 1974), social learning (Bandura, 1987; Becker, 1974), crime and punishment (Bourdieu, 1997) and the surrounding social environment and criminal economy, studying other authors and reviewing the databases: Mendeley, Proquest, Redalyc, base, BBC learning English, among others. Results: this work allowed the collection of concepts, characteristics, criminal trends and criminological analysis of the phenomenon; some typologies are established, by modus operandi and capacity of the perpetrator of the punishable act, the emergence of assasination by contract in Colombia and some characteristics of the codes of conduct of the last two generations of hitmen. Finally, conclusions are drawn.

Antecedentes: o sicariato ou o assassinato contratado é um fenômeno de violência que afeta a sociedade contemporânea, em meio a valores relacionados ao respeito à vida e à integridade humana. Na Colômbia, os dados e números de homicídios mostram que, durante 2017 e 2020, houve aproximadamente 26 161 casos na forma de sicariato ou assassinatocontratado; as motivações estão associadas principalmente ao tráfico de drogas, economias ilegais, disputas territoriais e fatores sociais. Objetivo: identificar a etimologia da palavra "sicário", características, pesquisas e algumas tendências geracionais sobre o sicariato. Método: este estudo foi realizado a partir de uma abordagem qualitativa, com desenho documental, por meio da revisão de algumas teorias sobre subculturas criminais (Cohen, 1955), aprendizagem do comportamento criminoso (Sutherland, 1974), aprendizagem social (Bandura, 1987; Becker, 1974), crime e castigo (Bourdieu, 1997), ambiente social circundante e economia criminal, outros autores e bancos de dados de revisão: Mendeley, Proquest, Redalyc, base, BBC learning english, entre outros. Resultados: este trabalho permitiu a coleta de conceitos, características, tendências criminais e análise criminológica do fenômeno; são estabelecidas algumas tipologias, por modus operandi e capacidade do autor do ato punível, o surgimento do sicariato na Colômbia e algumas características dos códigos de conduta das duas últimas gerações de sicários. Por fim, são apresentadas as conclusões.

Improving the livelihoods of justice-involved youth: Study protocol for a replication and extension of Functional Family Therapy-Gangs.

BACKGROUND: This study will evaluate Functional Family Therapy-Gangs (FFT-G), an extension of a family-based therapeutic intervention-Functional Family Therapy (FFT)-designed to help troubled youth exhibiting mild to severe behavior problems overcome delinquency, substance abuse, and violence. FFT-G, however, addresses risk factors that are typically more salient among gang than delinquent populations. A randomized control trial with adjudicated youth in Philadelphia revealed reductions in recidivism over an 18-month period. The purposes of this paper are to outline the protocol for replicating FFT-G in the Denver metropolitan area, document the design and challenges of the prospective research, and promote transparency. METHODS: As a condition of pre-trial or probation supervision, 400 youth/caregiver dyads will be randomly assigned to FFT-G or a treatment-as-usual control group. Preregistered confirmatory outcomes include recidivism (i.e., criminal/delinquent charges and adjudications/convictions) measured using official records (Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/abyfs). Secondary outcomes include measures of gang embeddedness, non-violent and violent recidivism, and substance use measured using interview-based surveys and arrest, revocation, incarceration, and crime type indicators of recidivism from official records. Exploratory mediation and moderation analyses are also planned. Intent-to-treat regression analyses will estimate intervention effects 18 months post-randomization. CONCLUSION: This study will contribute to advancing high-quality evidence-based knowledge on gang interventions for which there are few known effective responses.

Leva militar y violencia en contra de la juventud en el Perú

(analítico) El servicio militar obligatorio en el Perú ha generado debates y controversias por la violencia con el que opera, tanto al obligar como al maltratar e incluso torturar a los jóvenes secuestrados. Recién a fines de los años 90 se demostraría la crueldad con la que se operaba, desmantelándose en el 2000. El artículo busca identificar dicha violencia mediante el encauzamiento que operaría en durante la década de 1960. Se aplicaron un total de 28 entrevistas a hombres y mujeres entre los 60 y 83 años. Como hipótesis se propone el uso de la discriminación y del autoritarismo para degradar a los sectores más populares del país. Así, las estrategias biopolíticas denigrantes instaladas persuadirían a la población de la necesidad de tales levas militares incurriendo en un juvenicidio legalizado.

(analytical) Compulsory military service in Peru has generated debates and controversies due to the violence with which it operates, both by forcing and mistreating and even torturing kidnapped youths. Only at the end of the 1990s would the cruelty with which it was operated be demonstrated, dismantling it in the year 2000. The article seeks to identify said violence through the channeling that would operate during the 1960s. Methodologically, a total of 28 interviews with men and women are applied between 60 and 83 years old. As a hypothesis, the use of discrimination and authoritarianism to degrade the most popular sectors of the country is proposed. Thus, the installed demeaning biopolitical strategies would persuade the population of the need for such levies, incurring in a legalized juvenile murder.

(analítico) O serviço militar obrigatório no Peru gerou debates e controvérsias devido à violência com que opera, tanto forçando e maltratando e até torturando jovens sequestrados. Somente no final da década de 1990 seria demonstrada a crueldade com que foi operada, desmantelando-a no ano de 2000. O artigo busca identificar essa violência por meio da canalização que operaria durante a década de 1960. Metodologicamente, um total de 28 entrevistas aplicam-se com homens e mulheres entre 60 e 83 anos. Como hipótese, propõe-se o uso da discriminação e do autoritarismo para degradar os setores mais populares do país. Assim, as estratégias biopolíticas aviltantes instaladas persuadiriam a população da necessidade de tais cobranças militares, incorrendo em um homicídio juvenil legalizado.

Consecuencias de la explotación de los niños y niñas mediante su uso como soldados / Consequences of the exploitation of children using them as soldiers

Consecuencias de la explotación de los niños y niñas mediante su uso como soldados. La explotación de losniños como soldados es una violación de sus derechos y una grave forma de violencia institucional que ha idoaumentando en los últimos años y ante la que la comunidad internacional debe actuar. Un primer paso es reconocera estos niños como víctimas, más allá de juzgarlos como victimarios de los crímenes más atroces. A su vez, conocerlas consecuencias que sobre el desarrollo físico, afectivo, cognitivo y social tiene esta explotación es importantepara los profesionales clínicos que, en un mundo globalizado, pueden tener que tratar a estos niños y las múltiplesmanifestaciones psicopatológicas que presentan derivadas de sus experiencias de trauma complejo. En esta revisiónnarrativa, se presenta una integración crítica de los principales efectos de la explotación como soldados en los niños,así como se apunta a aquellas líneas y programas de intervención que se están aplicando en su tratamiento.(AU)

Consequences of the exploitation of children using them as soldiers. The exploitation of children as soldiers is aviolation of their rights and a serious form of institutional violence that has been increasing in recent years and againstwhich the international community must act. A first step is to recognize these children as victims, beyond judgingthem as perpetrators of the most heinous crimes. In turn, knowing the consequences of this exploitation on physical,affective, cognitive and social development is important for clinicians who, in a globalized world, may have to treatthese children and the multiple psychopathological manifestations they present as a result of their experiences ofcomplex trauma. In this narrative review, a critical integration of the main effects of exploitation as soldiers on childrenis presented, as well as pointing to those lines and programs of intervention that are being applied in their treatment.(AU)

Conseqüències de l'explotació dels nens i nenes com a soldats. L'explotació dels nens com a soldats és unaviolació dels seus drets i una forma greu de violència institucional que ha anat augmentant els darrers anys idavant la qual la comunitat internacional ha d'actuar. Un primer pas és reconèixer aquests nens com a víctimes,més enllà de jutjar-los com a victimaris dels crims més atroços. Alhora, conèixer les conseqüències que sobre eldesenvolupament físic, afectiu, cognitiu i social té aquesta explotació és important per als professionals clínicsque, en un món globalitzat, poden haver de tractar aquests nens i les múltiples manifestacions psicopatològiquesque presenten derivades de les seves experiències de trauma complex. En aquesta revisió narrativa es presentauna integració crítica dels principals efectes de l'explotació com a soldats en els infants, així com també s'apuntenles línies i els programes d'intervenció que s'estan aplicant en el tractament.(AU)

Psychometric Properties of the Child Neglect Scale and Risk Factors for Child Neglect in Chinese Young Males Who Were Incarcerated.

Child neglect is an important risk factor for juvenile delinquency, while few studies have examined child neglect in Chinese juvenile delinquents due to the lack of appropriate measurement tools. The Child Neglect Scale is a 38-item retrospective self-report scale that specifically focuses on child neglect. The current study, therefore, aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Child Neglect Scale and risk factors for child neglect among Chinese juvenile delinquents. A total of 212 young males who were incarcerated participated in this study, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Child Neglect Scale, and basic information questionnaire were used to collect data. The results showed that the Child Neglect Scale has good reliability, and the mean inter-item correlation coefficients reach accepted standards. Moreover, it is found that child neglect is prevalent among Chinese young males who are incarcerated, with communication neglect occurring most frequently. Low levels of family monthly income and rural residency are risk factors for child neglect. The average scores of security neglect, physical neglect, and communication neglect of the participants respectively show statistically significant differences according to the type of major caregivers. Findings suggest that the Child Neglect Scale may be used to measure child neglect with four independent subscales in Chinese young males who are incarcerated.

The Associations between Self-Silencing and Delinquency in Adolescent Who Experienced Child Sexual Abuse.

A large body of research reveals that child sexual abuse is an adverse experience associated with many negative socioemotional and behavioral consequences during adolescence. Notably, adolescent victims of child sexual abuse are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior, which has importance for their adaptation later in life. While research on the psychological antecedents of delinquent behavior has independently considered each core feature of silencing the self (i.e., low assertiveness and self-expression, conflict avoidance, presenting a non-authentic self, anger, and hostility), it has failed to jointly consider these as potential predictors of delinquent behaviors in adolescent victims of child sexual abuse. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between the two dimensions of self-silencing (i.e., divided self and silencing the self) and delinquency in adolescent victims of child sexual abuse. A sample of 110 adolescents seeking services following child sexual abuse completed self-reported questionnaires, and case files were analyzed to gather information regarding child sexual abuse severity. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that, after controlling for the effect of age, gender, parental monitoring, and child sexual abuse severity, self-silencing was positively associated with delinquent behaviors, affiliation with delinquent peers, as well as alcohol and drug use. Divided self contributed to the prediction of aggressive behaviors. Implementing interventions aimed at increasing adolescents' assertiveness, conflict management skills, and emotion regulation and promoting congruence between their behaviors and authentic selves may lower their involvement in delinquency.

Child-to-parent Violence Offenders (Specialists vs. Generalists): The Role of Direct Victimization at Home / Menores con medidas judiciales por violencia filio-parental (especialistas vs. generalistas): el papel de la victimización directa en el hogar

Background/Objectives: Current research has identified direct victimization at home as one of the main predictors of child-to-parent violence (CPV). However, the mechanisms involved in this relationship have not been studied. Thus, we first analyze the differences between CPV offenders and offenders who have committed other types of offenses, as well as the differences between two types of CPV offenders: specialists (those who have only committed CPV) and generalists (those who have committed CPV in addition to other offenses), in multiple risk factors. Next, we specifically examine direct victimization at home and its relationship with social-cognitive processing in CPV. Method: The sample consisted of 208 Spanish young offenders recruited from the Juvenile Justice Service (163 males) aged 14-20 years. Concretely, 83 were CPV offenders, 126 other offenders and concerning the CPV group, 57 were specialists and 26 generalists. A wide range of individual, family, and social variables were evaluated. Results: Compared to other offenders, CPV offenders show more socio-cognitive difficulties, less parental warmth and more parental criticism/rejection, more direct victimization at home and more vicarious victimization at school and in the street. Specialist and generalist CPV offenders differ significantly in their characteristics, with the generalists showing a more negative profile than the specialists. (AU)

Antecedentes/Objetivos: La investigación actual ha identificado a la victimización directa en el hogar como uno de los principales predictores de la violencia filio-parental (VFP). Sin embargo, los mecanismos implicados en esta relación no han sido estudiados. Así, en el presente estudio analizamos, en primer lugar, las diferencias entre jóvenes infractores con delitos relacionados con la VFP y jóvenes infractores con otro tipo de delitos, así como las diferencias entre dos tipos de infractores: especialistas (los que han cometido sólo delitos relacionados con la VFP) y generalistas (los que han cometido delitos relacionados con la VFP y además otros delitos), en múltiples factores de riesgo. A continuación, examinamos específicamente la victimización directa en el hogar y su relación con el procesamiento socio-cognitivo en la VFP. Método: La muestra estuvo compuesta por 208 jóvenes infractores españoles reclutados en el Servicio de Justicia Juvenil (163 chicos) con edades comprendidas entre los 14 y los 20 años. Concretamente, 83 con delitos relacionados con la VFP (57 especialistas y 26 generalistas) y 126 con otros delitos. Se evaluó una amplia gama de variables individuales, familiares y sociales. Resultados: En comparación con otros infractores, los jóvenes con delitos relacionados con la VFP muestran más dificultades socio-cognitivas, menos calidez parental y más crítica/rechazo parental, más victimización directa en el hogar y más victimización vicaria en la escuela y en la calle. Los especialistas y generalistas difieren significativamente en sus características, mostrando los generalistas un perfil más negativo que los especialistas. (AU)

Trauma and Gang Affiliation Increase Likelihood of Committing Assault among Juveniles Admitted to Secure Custody.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the prediction of involvement in serious physical assault from risk factors collected during routine screening of juveniles admitted to secure custody with a focus on trauma and gang affiliation and an exploration of gender differences in risk. METHODS: We analyzed administrative data collected on 879 juvenile offenders (93% boys; M age = 17 years; 71% Black, 19% Hispanic, 9% White, 1% other race/ethnicity), including extensive data on histories of trauma exposure and other risk as well as gang affiliation. RESULTS: We found that participation in serious assault was linked to gender, gang affiliation, and both witnessing and experiencing various traumatic events. Contrary to predictions, we did not observe a significant interaction between trauma histories and gang affiliation in predicting serious physical assault. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma and gang affiliation are critical yet understudied aspects of violence perpetration in the justice-involved youth population, particularly among clinical child and adolescent psychologists. These results underscore the importance of continued efforts by clinical psychologists to enhance research and practice related to these issues for this population.

Adult criminal outcomes of juvenile justice involvement.

BACKGROUND: The juvenile justice system in the USA adjudicates over seven hundred thousand youth in the USA annually with significant behavioral offenses. This study aimed to test the effect of juvenile justice involvement on adult criminal outcomes. METHODS: Analyses were based on a prospective, population-based study of 1420 children followed up to eight times during childhood (ages 9-16; 6674 observations) about juvenile justice involvement in the late 1990 and early 2000s. Participants were followed up years later to assess adult criminality, using self-report and official records. A propensity score (i.e. inverse probability) weighting approach was used that approximated an experimental design by balancing potentially confounding characteristics between children with v. without juvenile justice involvement. RESULTS: Between-groups differences on variables that elicit a juvenile justice referral (e.g. violence, property offenses, status offenses, and substance misuse) were attenuated after applying propensity-based inverse probability weights. Participants with a history of juvenile justice involvement were more likely to have later official and violent felony charges, and to self-report police contact and spending time in jail (ORs from 2.5 to 3.3). Residential juvenile justice involvement was associated with the highest risk of both, later official criminal records and self-reported criminality (ORs from 5.1 to 14.5). Sensitivity analyses suggest that our findings are likely robust to potential unobserved confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Juvenile justice involvement was associated with increased risk of adult criminality, with residential services associated with highest risk. Juvenile justice involvement may catalyze rather than deter from adult offending.

Adolescent Violent Delinquency Associated With Increased Emergency Department Usage in Young Adulthood.

Limited research has examined the extent to which adolescent delinquency predicts healthcare usage in young adulthood, including emergency department (ED) visits. This study used data from 3,310 adolescents (52.05% female; mean age at Wave I = 16.04 years) from the sibling subsample of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). We examined whether adolescent delinquency at Wave I predicted ED visits at Wave III using sibling fixed effects models to adjust estimates for within-family unobserved heterogeneity. Increased violent, but not nonviolent, delinquency predicted a higher number of ED visits in early adulthood in the sibling fixed effects models. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the relationship between delinquency and ED usage using a sibling fixed effects design. Findings demonstrate that violent adolescent delinquency may increase healthcare usage and suggest the potential role of healthcare providers in improving outcomes for delinquent youth.

A latent profile analysis of child maltreatment among at-risk youth gang members: Associations with violent delinquency, non-violent delinquency, and gang organizational structures.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between child maltreatment and later delinquency is an enduring concern worldwide. However, the maltreatment-delinquency relationship is relatively underexplored in youth gang populations. Consequently, to date, studies have not examined typologies of maltreatment and their associations with violent delinquency, non-violent delinquency, and gang organizational structures. OBJECTIVE: First, to identify the characteristics of subgroups of youth gang members who varied in abuse type and severity within type. Second, to determine in what ways the profiles differed in terms of gang organizational structures, violent delinquency, and non-violent delinquency. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS: A sample of 161 youth gang members (mean age: 16.8; range: 12-24) were recruited and surveyed by outreach social workers in Hong Kong. METHODS: Latent profile analysis was first used to examine heterogeneity in victimization experiences (physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect). Thereafter, non-parametric tests and post-hoc analyses were conducted to examine associations between the yielded typologies of maltreatment and gang organizational structures, violent delinquency, and non-violent delinquency. RESULTS: Poly-victimization was prevalent in the sample, with 148 respondents (91.9 %) reporting at least two types of past abuses. Three profiles of maltreatment emerged, varying in abuse types and severity within types: 'Minimally maltreated', 'Moderately maltreated, except sexual abuse', and 'Severely maltreated'. In comparison to the 'Minimal' maltreatment profile, the 'Moderate' and 'Severe' profiles were associated with greater delinquent behaviors and being in gangs that encouraged congregate illegal behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: There was a relationship between typologies of maltreatment and gang organizational structures, violent delinquency, and non-violent delinquency in the sample of youth gang members. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

Implicações da prática profissional no acolhimento institucional de crianças: perspectiva de cuidadoras / Implications of professional practice in children's institutional sheltering: caregivers' perspective / Implicaciones de la práctica profesional en el alojamiento institucional de niños: perspectiva de cuidadoras

Este estudo qualitativo teve como objetivo compreender, a partir da teoria de bioecológica de desenvolvimento, as implicações da prática profissional no processo de acolhimento de crianças em uma casa-abrigo, na perspectiva de cuidadoras. As participantes foram 10 profissionais de uma casa-abrigo localizada na região sul do Brasil. Utilizou-se a entrevista semiestruturada e a organização e análise dos dados sustentou-se na Grounded Theory, com auxílio do software Atlas.ti 8.4.14. Os resultados evidenciaram uma centralização das ações de acolhimento e atenção em torno dos cuidados físicos das crianças. As ações para promover suporte e cuidados emocionais dentro da casa-abrigo eram delegadas às profissionais da equipe técnica da instituição. Observou-se que as dificuldades encontradas pelas cuidadoras diziam respeito à falta de segurança e preparação para responder e acolher as demandas emocionais das crianças, as quais estão presentes em diversos momentos do processo de acolhimento. Percebeu-se que as práticas institucionais afetaram decisivamente tanto as ações de acolhimento das participantes e o suporte emocional oferecido às crianças na passagem pela casa-abrigo quanto as cuidadoras, no sentido de vivenciarem no trabalho sentimentos de insegurança. Os resultados tensionam ecologicamente a interação nos processos proximais presentes no desenvolvimento humano. Advoga-se pela reflexão sobre as implicações das práticas institucionais de uma casa-abrigo e o desenvolvimento infantil, visando o cuidado integral dos acolhidos.(AU)

Based on the developmental bioecological theory, this study analyzes the implications of professional practice in children's user embracement at a shelter from the caregivers' perspective. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 professionals from a shelter located in southern Brazil. Data organization and analysis was performed based on Grounded Theory using the Atlas.ti 8.4.14 software. Results showed that embracement and attention focus on the physical care of children. Support and emotional care activities were delegated to the institution's technical team. Caregivers faced difficulties regarding the lack of security and preparation to respond to and accept the children's emotional demands, which arise at different moments in the embracement process. The institutional practices decisively affected both user embracement actions and the emotional support offered to the children, as well as the caregivers, in the sense of experiencing feelings of insecurity. These findings ecologically tension the interaction in the proximal processes present in human development. Further reflections on the implications of institutional shelter-based practices for child development are needed to provide comprehensive care.(AU)

Este estudio cualitativo tuvo como objetivo comprender, desde la perspectiva de la teoría bioecológica del desarrollo, las implicaciones de la práctica profesional en el proceso de acogida de niños en una institución infantil desde la perspectiva de las cuidadoras. Las participantes fueron 10 profesionales de una institución de acogida infantil ubicada en la región Sur de Brasil. Se utilizó la entrevista semiestructurada, y para la organización y análisis de datos se aplicó Grounded Theory, con el uso del software Atlas.ti 8.4.14. Los resultados mostraron que las acciones de recepción y atención se centran en el cuidado físico de los niños. Las acciones de promoción de apoyo y cuidado emocional dentro del alojamiento se asignaron a los profesionales del equipo técnico de la institución. Se observó que las dificultades encontradas por las cuidadoras estaban relacionadas con la falta de seguridad y preparación para responder y aceptar las demandas emocionales de los niños, las cuales se encuentran presentes en diferentes momentos del proceso de acogida. Se notó que las prácticas institucionales afectaron decisivamente tanto las acciones de acogida de las participantes como el apoyo emocional que la institución brinda a los niños durante su paso, así como a las cuidadoras en el sentido de experimentar sentimientos de inseguridad en el trabajo. Estos resultados tensan ecológicamente la interacción en los procesos proximales presentes en el desarrollo humano. Se aboga por reflexionar sobre las implicaciones de las prácticas institucionales en los alojamientos institucionales y el desarrollo infantil, apuntando a la atención integral de los acogidos.(AU)

Vagalumes e biografemas: poéticas e políticas públicas no desligamento institucional por maioridade / Fireflies and biographems: poetics and public policies regarding institutional removal due to adulthood / Luciérnagas y biografemas: poéticas y políticas públicas en desconexión institucional debido a la edad adulta

Este artigo versa sobre o processo de desligamento institucional por maioridade de jovens que residem em serviços de acolhimento. Aposta-se em uma política do sensível para visibilizar os encontros e desencontros que acontecem entre as e os jovens e as políticas públicas brasileiras. Para tanto, realizaram-se encontros com jovens que já haviam passado pelo processo de desligamento e com jovens que logo completariam 18 anos e teriam de sair das instituições de acolhimento. Para tornar visíveis essas existências, investiu-se na escrita de biografemas, inspirados na obra de Roland Barthes. Os conceitos de necropolítica e vidas precárias foram fundamentais para compreender as omissões do Estado no momento do desligamento. Verificou-se que o Estado pode maximizar a precariedade de algumas vidas, especialmente daquelas marcadas por características de raça, gênero e classe culturalmente marginalizados. Contudo, é também o encontro com as políticas públicas que garante melhores condições de vida para alguns, facilitando o acesso à universidade e ao mercado de trabalho. A pesquisa aponta que, diante do abandono, as e os jovens se fazem vagalumes, produzindo luminosidades em meio à escuridão e reivindicando o direito à vida.(AU)

This article discusses the process of institutional removal of young people that reside in foster care institutions for reaching adulthood. It relies on a politics of the sensitive to make visible the encounters and mismatches that take place between young people and Brazilian public policies. To do so, meetings were held with young people who had already experienced the removal process and with young people who would soon turn 18 and would have to leave the host institutions. To make these existences visible, this study invested in the writing of biographems, inspired by the works of Roland Barthes. The concepts of necropolitics and precarious lives were fundamental to understand the omissions of the State at the time of removal. It was also found that the State can maximize the precariousness of some lives, especially those marked by culturally marginalized race, gender, and class characteristics. However, it is also the encounter with public policies that ensures better living conditions for some, facilitating access to the university and the labor market. This research points out that, in the face of abandonment, young people become fireflies, producing luminosity amid the darkness and claiming the right to life.(AU)

Este artículo aborda el proceso de desconexión institucional justificado por la edad adulta de los jóvenes que residen en los servicios de acogida. Utilizamos una política sensible para hacer visibles las reuniones y los desajustes que tienen lugar entre los jóvenes y las políticas públicas brasileñas. Con este fin, se celebraron reuniones con los jóvenes que ya habían pasado por el proceso de desconexión institucional y también con los jóvenes que pronto cumplirían los 18 años y tendrían que abandonar las instituciones de acogida. Para hacer visibles estas existencias, se redactaron biografemas, inspirados en el trabajo de Roland Barthes. Los conceptos de necropolítica y vida precaria fueron fundamentales para comprender las omisiones del Estado en el momento de la desconexión. Se encontró que el Estado puede maximizar la precariedad de algunas vidas, principalmente de aquellas marcadas por características de raza, género y clase culturalmente marginadas. Sin embargo, el encuentro con las políticas también puede garantizar mejores condiciones de vida para algunos, facilitándoles el acceso a la universidad y al mercado laboral. Esta investigación señala que, ante el abandono, los jóvenes se convierten en luciérnagas, produciendo luminosidad en medio de la oscuridad y reclamando el derecho a la vida.(AU)