Assessing the Impacts of Juvenile Incarceration in Adult Correctional Facilities

An increasing number of juveniles are being incarcerated in adult correctional facilities. A better understanding of the effects and outcomes of this incarceration type is needed to understand the implications and to guide future policy. The purpose of the current study was to systematically review and synthesize the study methods in relevant literature regarding the outcomes and effects of juvenile incarceration in adult correctional facilities. This systematic review was conducted as an undergraduate honors thesis project. The current review was executed through querying specific academic databases to identify the full scope of relevant literature. Once identified and screened via defined search and eligibility requirements, a final sample of 17 records were selected for review and analysis. Specific elements of each record, or study, were recorded in an article review matrix. Analysis of the article review matrix identified common themes, as well as gaps, limitations, and suggestions for future research. Recidivism was the most common dependent variable, and the type of incarceration was the most common independent variable employed by the records reviewed. Approximately half of the records reviewed utilized data sets that had obvious limitations. Record review and analysis indicate that longitudinal studies with large data sets should be used in future research. Further, data should be easily and readily collectable. Overall, this systematic review highlights avenues for future research that can help better understand the outcomes of juvenile incarceration in adult facilities. Better understanding should help guide future policy and practice related to this type of incarceration