Child offenders' lives dogged by trauma, mental illness and abuse

The study found very high rates of parental loss, emotional abuse and substance use within the family – with high rates of family mental illness, physical abuse and domestic violence.

Almost all juvenile offenders in diversion programmes examined have suffered trauma in their lives and almost two-thirds have experienced multiple traumas, according to new research.

The study found very high rates of parental loss, emotional abuse and substance use within the family – with high rates of family mental illness, physical abuse and domestic violence.