Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Appiah-Kubi, Jamal

Abstract

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are especially common among youth involved in the juvenile justice system, and research has consistently linked these early traumatic experiences to a variety of negative behavioral and developmental outcomes. Still, we do not fully understand how strongly cumulative ACE exposure predicts whether detained youth will reoffend, or whether trauma-informed rehabilitation programs can help reduce that risk. This proposed quantitative study explores the relationship between ACE scores and recidivism among youth ages 11–18 detained at the San Bernardino County Juvenile Detention Center. Grounded in trauma theory and ecological systems theory, the study focuses on two primary questions: (1) Are higher ACE scores associated with a greater likelihood of rearrest within 12 months after release? and (2) Does participation in trauma-informed rehabilitation programs weaken or moderate that relationship? Using a cross-sectional correlational research design, approximately 100 detained youth will be selected through simple random sampling. ACE exposure will be measured using the standardized 10-item Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire. Recidivism will be defined as rearrest within 12 months of release and verified through official administrative records. Regression analyses will be conducted to examine whether ACE scores predict recidivism, while controlling for demographic and offense-related factors. An interaction term will test whether participation in trauma-informed programs reduces the likelihood of rearrest among youth with higher ACE scores. The findings from this study may help inform more trauma-responsive rehabilitation approaches and support evidence-based policy improvements within the juvenile justice system.

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