The Link Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Predicting Delinquent…

The Link Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Predicting Delinquent Behavior

Ivory McMillian, Psy.D, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH, CCHP – MH, Health Services Manager, Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, Adjunct Professor, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington DC Campus

Asia Proctor, Forensic Psychology: Professional Counselor Licensure Track Student, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington DC Campus

Tia Cook, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington DC Campus

Childhood trauma can be a predictor of future delinquent behavior. Children who experience Adverse Childhood Experiences, including abuse, neglect, and domestic violence may encounter obstacles across a multitude of environments. The National Bureau of Economic Research suggests, “child maltreatment roughly doubles the probability that an individual engages in many types of crime” (Picker, 2020). Research shows witnessing domestic violence among parental figures and child abuse can be linked to aggressive and delinquent behavior. This research encourages exploration to also understand other factors which can contribute to delinquent and aggressive behavior. This roundtable will explore, through a meta-analysis of the literature, if determining and understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE scores) will address the traumatic experiences children face and help lower the percentage of children participating in delinquent behavior.

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