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An Exploration of Family and Juvenile Justice Systems to Reduce Youth HIV / STI Risk
Author(s) -
Elkington Katherine S.,
Belmonte Kimberly,
Latack Jessica A.,
Mellins Claude Ann,
Wasserman Gail A.,
Donenberg Geri R.,
Hirsch Jennifer S.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of research on adolescence
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.342
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1532-7795
pISSN - 1050-8392
DOI - 10.1111/jora.12163
Subject(s) - juvenile , economic justice , psychology , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , developmental psychology , immunology , medicine , biology , microeconomics , genetics , economics
Using in‐depth interviews with 20 probation youth (60% female; 35% White; 30% Hispanic; mean age: 15 years, range = 13–17), their caregivers (100% female; mean age: 44 years, range = 34–71), and 12 female probation officers (100% White; mean age: 46 years, range = 34–57), we explored how family and probation systems exacerbate or mitigate sexual risk. We conducted thematic analyses of interviews, comparing narratives of families of sexually risky ( n = 9) versus nonsexually risky ( n = 11) youth. Family functioning differed by youth sexual risk behavior around quality of relationships, communication, and limit setting and monitoring. The involvement of families of sexually risky youth in probation positively influenced family functioning. Data suggest that these families are amenable to intervention and may benefit from family‐based HIV / STI interventions delivered in tandem with probation.