J Pediatr Health Care. 2025 Sep 24:S0891-5245(25)00243-3. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2025.08.002. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Adolescents involved in the juvenile legal system (JLS) face an increased risk of experiencing self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs), especially at the intersections of race/ethnicity and gender-based inequities. This scoping review identifies rates of SITBs and their associated factors among JLS-involved adolescent girls (aged 12-17 years) while examining racial/ethnic differences in these rates and factors.
METHOD: This study applies Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines to synthesize literature from 2014-2024 examining SITBs among JLS-involved adolescent girls.
RESULTS: Across 17 reports (12 studies), findings highlight high rates of suicide attempts (15% to 48%), suicidal ideation (37% to 50%), and nonsuicidal self-injury (22% to 43%). Associated factors include mental health concerns and adverse childhood experiences, whereas limited research explores protective factors.
DISCUSSION: This review highlights elevated SITBs among JLS-involved adolescent girls. Trauma-informed, culturally-responsive screening strategies in clinical settings and strengths-based approaches are discussed.
PMID:40996373 | DOI:10.1016/j.pedhc.2025.08.002
