Incarceration can have enduring impacts on young people, affecting their ability to achieve significant milestones in adulthood, such as living independently or maintaining stable employment. Black and Hispanic males are especially affected, facing higher rates of incarceration and longer sentences compared to non-Hispanic white males.
A study led by Northwestern University researchers, including Sara Thomas and Linda Teplin, tracked over 1,800 justice-involved youth to assess the long-term effects of their incarceration experiences. Sourced from the Northwestern Juvenile Project—a longitudinal study focused on youth mental health needs—this research explored the incarceration "dose," examining not just the days spent confined but the nature of the detention, whether in juvenile facilities, jails, or prisons.
The study, a first of its kind, investigated outcomes across several adult life domains: education attainment, stable employment, independent living, parenting, and relationship health. It highlighted worse outcomes for individuals with the highest incarceration doses. These individuals had significant struggles with education, employment, mental health, and often faced difficulty achieving independent living, areas linked with higher recidivism.
In particular, those incarcerated in prisons faced more negative outcomes than their peers held only in juvenile facilities or adult jails. "Incarceration isolates youth from their families and communities. The consequences can be lifelong. Many youth will never catch up," Teplin commented.
The study's findings bring attention to the necessity of early interventions. Thomas explained, "Intervening with youth before they end up in adult jails and prisons benefits everyone. In the long run, reducing unnecessary incarcerations gives young people a chance to thrive, reduces crime and builds stronger, safer communities."
Thomas further emphasized the importance of rehabilitation when incarceration cannot be avoided. "We must invest in programs and policies that equip youth with the skills and resources — education, jobs, housing — to succeed when they return home,” she said.
The study, "Incarceration and Subsequent Psychosocial Outcomes: a 16-year Longitudinal Study of Youth after Detention," has been published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Contributors include Karen M. Abram, David A. Aaby, Leah J. Welty, Joeann M. Salvati from Northwestern, and Jennifer L. Arzu from Brown University.