Date
12-17-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Human Services: Emphasis in Trauma, Resilience, & Self-Care Strategies
Department
Human Services
First Advisor
Sydney Sanchez
Abstract
This capstone paper explores the impact of absent parents and harsh parenting practices on children and adolescents within forensic mental health settings. Informed by recent peer-reviewed studies on trauma-informed, attachment-based, and resilience frameworks, this paper synthesizes evidence linking disrupted caregiving, inconsistent discipline, and punitive practices with emotion dysregulation, externalizing behaviors, and justice involvement. Special attention is given to the interaction of family processes with factors such as poverty, racism, service access, that shape risk and protection across development. Key findings suggest that early adversity is associated with delinquency, substance use, and poorer mental health, whereas supportive relationships, culturally responsive parenting programs, and mentoring function as buffers. Implications include the need for integrated family centered interventions in courts, community supervision, and treatment settings. Cross system coordination between behavioral health and child welfare; and accurate evaluation of culturally grounded services. It also provides implications for human service professionals working with youths and families affected by adverse childhood experiences. This paper concludes with recommendations for practice, policy, and future research to reduce recidivism and promote healing.