The Relationship between Traumatic Brain Injury and Criminality in Juvenile Offenders

Objective: To examine the relationship between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and criminal behavior in youth who are incarcerated or on probation in Texas. Setting: Seven juvenile justice facilities. Participants: Juvenile offenders in state or county correctional facilities or on probation. Design: Screening for TBI was conducted among adolescents at 7 juvenile justice centers. Main Measures: Participants were administered the Brain Injury Screening Questionnaire, and results were linked to participants' offense history and psychiatric diagnoses. Results: One in 4 juvenile offenders met criteria for TBI, and the majority of injuries occurred prior to the adolescents' criminal offenses. A history of TBI was related to more violent crimes, as well as more mental health diagnoses and symptoms. Conclusion: The high rates of TBI and levels of distress found in juvenile offenders suggest a need for preventive actions, interventions to compensate for challenges related to TBI, and programs to assist individuals' transitions into the community.