Date
8-21-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Human Services: Emphasis in Forensic Behavioral Health
Department
Human Services
First Advisor
Ryan Chukuske
Second Advisor
Jarrod Brown
Abstract
Although we are aware that a large percentage of incarcerated individuals that have entered the criminal justice system have substance use disorders, less attention has been given to the large percentage of these individuals that are parents. As these parents struggle with navigating the criminal justice system and maintaining sobriety, the children in these homes are often left facing uncertainties of where they will get their next meal, how they will find a way to get to school, or avoid the chaos in their home. This study aims to look at how this significant population of children faces a multiplied number of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) as a result of the relationship between substance use and crime that is so well documented. Scholarly articles were reviewed and compiled to bring to light a better understanding of why although reasonably well documented, this pattern perpetuates and children continue to have poor long-term physical, mental and behavioral health outcomes as result of their parents’ actions while also highlighting what research has been done to showcase some successful interventions that are developing. Human services professionals and policy makers may benefit from reviewing this composition to understand better ways to both help the future of our youth and to cut down on services costs for programming.