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In New Zealand, approximately 5,000 children in care are at risk of offending, with many showing warning signs by ages 11-15. This presentation highlights key risk factors for youth involved in the justice system, drawing from international studies that emphasize the increased likelihood of offending among children in welfare, particularly girls and boys in foster care. Effective interventions, such as Multi-Dimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC) and Project KEEP, are essential for reducing offending rates. A comprehensive approach addressing mental health, behavior, and social needs is crucial for improving outcomes.
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Foster Care & Youth OffendingCriminal Justice ForumWellington, February, 2009Dave RobertsonClinical Director, Youth Horizons
Kids in Welfare Care Are at Particular Risk of Offending • In NZ about 5,000 children and young people in C&P and YJ placements, over 95% are C&P, 1/3 under age of 6 • Maxwell et al (2004): C&P histories predicted later offending (0.24; p<.001) • Australian welfare boys 13x and girls 35x more likely to enter juvenile justice system. Offending often known prior to entry into JJ system (54% by age 11-15) (Community Services Commission, 1996) • U.S study: welfare boys 5x and girls 10x relative risk of later incarceration(Jonson-Reid & Barth, 2000)
Disadvantaged Neighbourhoods Behaviour & Mental Health Problems School Attainment Maltreatment • Risk Factors • for Offending Learning Problems Parent-child Relationship Marital Change Discipline Parental Mental Health Supervision Substance Abuse Unemployment Criminality
Foster Care Outcomes: The Big Picture Homelessness Mental Health Offending Teenage pregnancy Unemployment/Poverty
We know that foster care population are a high needs group who are at risk of poor life outcomes, including offending, despite regular foster care intervention • Regular foster care is not an effective intervention for those a risk of youth offending
Foster Care-Specific Risk Factors Predictive of Later Offending
Youth Problem Behavior Drives Disruptions Project KEEP After 6 behaviors, every additional behavior on the PDR increases the probability of disruption by 17 %
Placement Stability Predictors • Agency involvement • Quality of care giving • Treatment Foster Care
Successful Treatment FC Interventions • MTFC • MTFC-P • Project Keep
Implications • Comprehensive response addressing range of needs: mental health, behavioural, social, family, developmental, educational. 2. Foster care-specific red flags (externalising behaviour problems, multiple placements) should trigger intensive case monitoring and response: 3. Services need to actively minimise factors that contribute to placement disruption and promote factors that increase placement stability 4. Develop a range of foster care responses including treatment foster care for children and YP at risk of offending