How Are They Different? An Exploration of Family and School Factors Among Post-Adjudicated girls

This study explores the associations between family and school factors,

and their relationship to criminal risk among post-adjudicated diverse

young women. Cross-sectional data were collected through the Positive

Achievement Change Tool using seven measures of family and school factors

(n¼365). After controlling for age, this model (Family incarceration,

Running away from home, School suspension or Expulsion, Abuse, Neglect

and Special education need) emerged as significant predictors of criminal

risk (p .001). However, only family incarceration and special education

needs (learning, behavioral or ADHD/ADD) were predictive of higher levels

of criminal risk for Black young women while running away from home

was predictive for Hispanic young women. Interventions should be gender-

specific and culturally responsive in addressing family and school factors

that impact diverse young women.

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