Northwestern study yields insights for improving outcomes for justice-involved youth

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Incarceration has lasting consequences. Many young people who have been incarcerated later struggle to achieve the basic milestones in adulthood, such as living on their own or maintaining a long-term job. Black and Hispanic males are more likely to be affected because they are disproportionately incarcerated and receive longer sentences than non-Hispanic white males.

In a groundbreaking study following more than 1,800 justice-involved youth, researchers at Northwestern University examined the long-term effects of “dose” of incarceration years after detention.

Data for the study come from the Northwestern Juvenile Project, a longitudinal study of the mental health needs and outcomes of youth who were sampled at intake to juvenile detention at median age 15 and followed through median age 32.

Led by Sara Thomas and Linda Teplin, faculty and principal investigator of the Northwestern Juvenile Project, respectively, this is the first study to examine the “dose” of incarceration, meaning not only the number of days incarcerated, but also the depth of their involvement, whether an individual was held juvenile facilities only, jail (but not prison) or prison. 

Prior studies of the juvenile justice population focused primarily on criminal recidivism. In contrast, this study evaluated participants’ achievements of eight outcomes, reflecting basic aspects of adult functioning, such as whether the individual had earned a high school diploma or GED, was stably employed and was able to live independently without family support.

The researchers also looked at relationship health. Was the participant actively parenting their children without state oversight? Did they have at least two people they could count on? For those in romantic relationships, were those relationships satisfying and free from domestic violence?

Overall, the study found those with the greatest dose of incarceration had worse outcomes as they aged. They were far less likely to live independently, attain an education and stable employment, and far more likely to struggle with mental health — factors closely linked to criminal recidivism.

Both males and females who had been to prison fared worse than those who had only spent time in juvenile facilities or adult jails.   

“Incarceration isolates youth from their families and communities. The consequences can be lifelong. Many youth will never catch up,” Teplin said. 

The researchers say the findings underscore the importance of early interventions.

“Intervening with youth before they end up in adult jails and prisons benefits everyone,” Thomas said. “In the long run, reducing unnecessary incarcerations gives young people a chance to thrive, reduces crime and builds stronger, safer communities.”

“When incarceration is necessary, rehabilitation is essential. We must invest in programs and policies that equip youth with the skills and resources — education, jobs, housing — to succeed when they return home,” Thomas said.

“Incarceration and Subsequent Psychosocial Outcomes: a 16-year Longitudinal Study of Youth after Detention,” was recently published online by the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (JAACAP).

Study co-authors include Karen M. Abram, David A. Aaby, Leah J. Welty, Joeann M. Salvati of Northwestern, and Jennifer L. Arzu of Brown University.