Youth Perceptions of Juvenile Justice Facility Staff: Associations With Self-Directed Violence Among Juvenile Detainees

Abstract

Youth in juvenile justice facilities are at high risk of self-directed violence (SDV; suicide attempts and self-harm). Research shows that positive youth perceptions of adults are preventive against SDV among community youth, yet it is unknown whether this extends to detained youth. Using a large national dataset, the present study examines whether, at the facility level, youth perceptions of staff are associated with rates of youth SDV over time. Results from a multilevel mixed-effects negative binomial model suggest that after accounting for various juvenile facility characteristics and practices, youth perceptions of staff are marginally associated with decreased rates of SDV over time. The results from the present study hold implications for research, policy, and practice. Importantly, the results imply a need for facility-wide and evidence-based staff training on SDV among detained youth that emphasizes building positive interpersonal relationships between staff and youth.