A field study of the impact of psychotropic medication on delinquency and juvenile justice system involvement among a high risk sample of children and adolescents. Issue 6 (17th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Armstrong-Hoskowitz, Natalie; Schmidt, Adam T.; Henderson, Craig E.; Nelson, David V.; Allen, Brian J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of offender rehabilitation. Volume 59:Issue 6(2020)
• Page Start: 334
• Page End: 353
• Publication Date: 2020-08-17
• Subjects: juvenile justice -- psychotropic medication -- delinquency -- conduct problems -- medication management; Criminals -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Corrections -- Periodicals; Corrections -- United States -- Periodicals; 365.6610973
• DOI: 10.1080/10509674.2020.1767258
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1050-9674

Abstract

Abstract: At-risk youth are more likely to engage in delinquent behaviors and be involved in the juvenile justice system (JJS). Improving outcomes for such youth increasingly include long-term administration of psychotropic medications (PM). Current research addresses short-term utility of PM, but evidence is mixed regarding long-term effectiveness. Using a large, cross-national, at-risk youth sample (n = 2065), this study examined how PM influenced total delinquent behaviors in a given year, and JJS entry, over a seven-year time period. PM treatment did not significantly decrease delinquent behaviors among youth; nor prevent entry into the JJS. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.