Dr. Jessica Hart, a faculty member at Walden University, has conducted a study on the risk and protective factors of juvenile violence from the perspectives of law enforcement, teachers, and mental health professionals. Dr. Hart has been awarded the Walden University Faculty Research Initiative Grant for this study and to date, no study has sought the expertise and experiences of these professionals that are most involved in preventing and intervening in juvenile violence. Prior to the study, it was believed Police Officers, Mental Health Professionals, and Teachers opinions and perspectives to be an invaluable piece to developing further services and education to those who treat, prevent, and intervene with violent juvenile offenders.

About the Study

The current study explored potential risk and protective factors of violent juvenile offending through the eyes of teachers, law enforcement officers, and mental health professionals. These are the professionals most engaged with juveniles, and most likely to be involved in preventing and treating the underlying symptoms and factors related to juvenile violence. Self-report surveys (n = 208) examined the perspectives of teachers, law enforcement officers, and mental health professionals and whether they significantly differed on their views of juvenile violence. More specifically, differences between the three groups were examined on the self-reported levels of knowledge, fear, and self-efficacy related to juvenile violence. Further analyses also explored the professionals’ views on juvenile violence and the availability of guns, mental health symptoms, and gender differences. The most important risk and protective factors identified by each group were examined. This study provided a unique perspective of what the professionals most involved with violent juvenile offenders perceived as the most important factors related to the continuance of juvenile violence.

Survey Material

Presentations