Trends in Justice System Involvement from Ages 17 to 21

As foster youth approach the transition to adulthood, they are more likely than their peers to become involved in the justice system and engage in delinquent behaviors. This memo explored arrest, incarceration, and conviction among foster youth transitioning to adulthood in California, including type of offense and demographic differences. Although findings confirm the high rate of justice system involvement in this population, the analysis showed a downward trend in involvement as participants aged, decreasing by nearly half from age 17 to 21. Gender and race were linked to justice system involvement; males were generally more likely than females to experience justice system involvement and youths who identified as African American or Multiracial were more likely than others to become involved with that system. The study also showed that most crimes were misdemeanor property or drug-related offenses, rather than felonies or violent crimes.