Abstract
Incarceration rates among youth in America continue to be a major social concern. In this substantial addition to the literature, Mallett provides a comprehensive examination of the relationship between experiences and environmental factors that significantly affect disproportionate rates at which youth are detained and incarcerated. Specifically, the link between psychological disorders, child victimization, and rising rates of delinquency is thoroughly discussed. The book is a current and scholarly examination of the social problem as well as future implications moving forward.
A substantial discussion on the origins of victimization and mental health diagnoses across age groups as well as alternative methodologies to address reductions in offending patterns is provided. The discussion on the identification of multiple pathways to detention and potential persistence into adulthood has practical value to researchers and practitioners. Focusing attention on treatment and intervention programs, the author provides a clear, concise, and empirical framework supporting best practices in addressing this complex relationship. The honed attention to mental health and disabilities reveals its usefulness vis-à-vis relevant policy and program implementation affecting issues faced by adolescent populations.
Specifically, the relationship between treatment and high-risk youth and the juvenile justice system are highlighted in Chapter 1, Children and Youth at Risk, wherein Mallett provides a clear and concise introduction of the rate at which disenfranchised youth enter the justice system is presented and well linked to a myriad of social problems affecting pathways into crime. The author advocates for the need for social reform of the juvenile justice system, courts, and treatment programs by focusing on delinquent risk factors with specific attention on disabilities and traumatic experiences of youth. An examination of solutions and barriers to change is also presented in efforts to assist with reductions in juvenile recidivism rates among offenders with histories of maltreatment victimization, mental health disorders, substance use and abuse, and special education disabilities.
In Chapter 2, the progression from disorders to delinquency is presented in association with disproportionate rates at which youth in the justice system are diagnosed with disabilities and as such provides leverage for emerging arguments questioning detention and incarceration of this population. Special attention is placed on the cumulative impact of sexual and physical abuse related to risk of offending. Likewise, the need for early identification of the nature and extent of disorders among America’s young is explored in relation to availability of and access to mental health services.
The logically consistent flow of the chapters allows for an easy read, as developmental perspectives addressing early-onset trauma and diagnoses are discussed in Chapters 3 and 4. Specifically, the need for early identification of the nature and extent of disorders among America’s young is explored. Within these chapters, the author focuses on the importance of early diagnoses and treatment which is supported with the inclusion of empirical evidence supporting varied treatment and service delivery modalities. Additional risk factors associated with school failure and foster care placement are also explored.
In Chapters 5 and 6, Mallett delineates between serious and nonserious juvenile offenders and decisions by court personnel to account for history of disability and traumatic experiences when coming up with solution-oriented options. The equal distribution of literary debate on the topic advocating for the increased humane treatment of young offenders is well represented. Additionally, challenges associated with moving away from a punitive model of juvenile justice as well as practical solutions based in effective treatment models are also introduced that address traumatic experiences and the propensity toward delinquency.
Mallett concludes with Chapter 7 and provides a detailed discussion of the plausible impact, a shift from punishment to rehabilitation will have over time on offending patterns. Attention is placed on multilevel collaboration and related justice policies, practices, and programs designed to address mental health needs of offenders. In a short but well-organized book of seven chapters, Mallet provides an impactful and riveting examination into the relationship between disorders and delinquency which provide a framework for further study and practical implications in court and juvenile justice systems.
Throughout, the book’s focus is honed on the inclusion of supporting evidence demonstrating the disproportionate detention and incarceration of youthful offenders with histories of victimization, mental illness, substance abuse, and learning disabilities and the need for the implementation of rehabilitation and residential treatment facilities. The ideology that an overhaul of the system is wrought with challenges that can be overcome prevails and provides the framework for a more compassionate justice system in lieu of the existing punishment-focused model. The integrative nature of the book provides a current and thorough view of psychological and social factors affecting juvenile crime and as such produces a significant contribution to the growing literature in the area.