Sexual Minority Youth and the Juvenile Justice System: A Poignant Need Group

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questions (LGBTQ) youth are overrepresented in the U.S. juvenile justice system. These youth experience a variety of personal, social and systemic harms and difficulties that place them at greater risk of involvement in the juvenile justice system. Understanding the prevalence of risk factors experienced by LGBTQ youth can lead to improved intervention efforts. Using data from a Health Coach Service project implemented at a juvenile intake facility, n=1.619 newly arrested youth were included in the current study (8.3% self-identified as sexual minority). The current study sought to determine prevalence rates of minority sexual orientation, whether LBGTQ youth differed in regard to key demographic and risk factors, and whether these differences varied by gender. Findings revealed sexual minority, justice-involved adolescents suffered disproportionate juvenile justice placement, family problems, risky sexual behavior (including STD positivity), depression, and victimization. Gender differences among sexual minority youth were reported for family problems, sexual risk behavior, depression, sexual assault, bullying, and drug use severity. The results suggest a need to advocate for LGBTQ youth to ensure policies and procedures are sensitive to the rights of LGBTQ youth.