Citation

Kemp K, Poindexter B, Ng MY, Correia V, Marshall BDL, Koinis-Mitchell D, Tolou-Shams M. Crim. Justice Behav. 2022; 49(5): 730-744.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/00938548211059504

PMID

35754948

PMCID

PMC9221642

Abstract

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors among juvenile justice populations are elevated. However, the characteristics of justice-involved youth who consider and attempt suicide are not well understood. This study examined suicidal ideation and attempt with first-time, preadjudicated diverted youth, and the relationship with commonly associated risk factors. The sample included 135 youth (50% male, M (age) = 14.48) that provided complete responses to self-reported lifetime suicidal ideation and attempt items. Analyses examined relationships between suicidal ideation/attempt and mental health, child welfare involvement, delinquency, self-cutting, and substance use. First time, preadjudicated diverted youth reported high rates of lifetime suicidal ideation (27%) and attempt (17%). Suicidal ideation and attempt were associated with sexually minoritized status and self-cutting, while child welfare involvement was only associated with suicidal ideation. This high-risk population would benefit from refined suicide screening and prevention services not always available to justice-involved youth living in the community.

Keywords: Juvenile justice

Language: en

Keywords

substance use; suicide attempt; suicidal ideation; juvenile justice