Systematic review: Impact of juvenile incarceration

Background

The juvenile justice system was established with the intent of rehabilitation (Fagan & Zimring, 2000). However, despite these intentions, the reality of juvenile incarceration is that it often fails in this rehabilitative process, with numerous studies highlighting the adverse outcomes associated with confinement (Lambie & Randell, 2013; Gatti et al., 2009).

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to consolidate current knowledge and provide a comprehensive understanding of how juvenile incarceration affects various domains of life including mental and physical health, adaptive functioning, educational attainment, employment, and recidivism.

Participants

Many of the studies reviewed used samples from larger longitudinal projects (1970s-2000s) and were later filtered to focus on individuals incarcerated during adolescence. Additionally, some studies included a broader range of participants with any justice system contact, such as arrests, serving as a useful comparison group to those incarcerated.

Method

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were followed to conduct our review (PRISMA; Moher et al., 2009). A modified checklist was used to outline the inclusion and exclusion criteria for individual studies.

Results

Two electronic databases were searched, including PsycINFO and PubMed/MEDLINE. Thirty-four full-text articles were reviewed for quality, and sixteen were excluded due to either the (a) sample population, (b) lack of statistical outcomes, or (c) omission of the association between juvenile incarceration and outcomes. Guided by methodological quality criteria, eighteen studies were included in the review.

Conclusions

Juvenile incarceration and subsequent interactions that occur within correctional settings, create a cascading effect that shape long-term trajectories often marked by diminished opportunities for positive development and an increase in adverse outcomes. The findings of this review underscore the systemic challenges and shortcomings within the juvenile justice system.