1
Return

Use of multiple services from childhood to early adulthood among violent juvenile offenders: a document-based descriptive study

delete2026-07-20
delete0
delete
OA
AI
E
Eeva Huikko *
M
Mauri Marttunen
A
Aulikki Ahlgrén-Rimpiläinen
T
Terhi Aalto‐Setälä
DOI:10.1186/s13034-026-01140-2delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Young violent offenders frequently face significant developmental adversities, including learning difficulties, mental disorders, and substance use during childhood and adolescence. Many also grow up in circumstances requiring child welfare interventions. However, limited information is available regarding the services provided to them. To describe the timing, duration and components of school support services, child welfare services, as well as mental health services and substance abuse services used by young violent offenders. Data were derived from the forensic psychiatric examination statements of 42 Finnish violent offenders aged 15–22 years and analyzed using qualitative and quantitative content analyses. Almost all young people (95%) had used at least one service. Service use typically began between ages 7 and 12, with school support services accessed more frequently than other services during this period. The highest rate of single-service use occurred at ages 8–9. Adolescence was characterized by the most extensive multiservice involvement, with the combination of school support, mental health, and child welfare services peaking at age 15. Interruptions longer than one year were more frequent in mental health services than in other services. Evidence-based parent training, multidimensional family therapy, and specialized placements for youth with substance use and mental health problems were used only seldom. Most youth who committed violent offences had received multiple services during childhood and adolescence. Our results highlight the need to develop the timing, suitability and acceptability of services for this specific group of young people in their youth.
Keywords:
Young violent offenders
Timing
School support services
Child welfare services
Mental health services
Substance abuse services

Journal

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health cover
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health
IF:
4.6
Papers:
1.1K
Citations:
3.4K

Organization

F
finnish institute for health and welfare
Scholars:
185
Papers: 86
Citations: 0
D
Department of Public Health
Scholars:
392
Papers: 208
Citations: 15
Cited Papers

Cited Papers

Citing Papers

Citing Papers