Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Henry Cellini

Abstract

Juvenile delinquency is an ongoing problem in society and is detrimental as many delinquents have mental and behavioral health issues. Delinquency is costly to society, and it was found that many delinquents have a traumatic past or adverse childhood experiences. They include child abuse and neglect, loss, separation/divorce of parents, witnessing domestic violence, parents who struggle with mental health and/or drug and substance abuse, parents who have their own trauma, death of a loved one, natural disaster, or other tragedies that are linked to an increase in the likelihood of juvenile delinquency. In this study, the relationship between juvenile delinquency and trauma by the lived experiences of professionals who have worked with delinquents and at-risk youth was examined. The biopsychosocial model provided a theoretical framework for the study. Data were collected by interviewing 20 mental health professionals. The data were analyzed to determine common themes and patterns about professionals who work with at-risk youth. The 6 themes found during analysis were professionals’ caseloads consisted of clients who have lived through trauma, vicarious trauma was common, professionals must adapt to the barriers that stem from working with the population, they faced many barriers working with at-risk youth, they wanted to be effective for their clients, they were interested in trainings to increase their effectiveness with clients, they found it was necessary for caregivers to be involved in treatment, and COVID-19 has impacted traumatized youth. This study can contribute to positive social change as professionals may be able to identify ways to intervene with at-risk youth to encourage normal social functioning.

Download

Share

 
COinS