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Study links early childhood vulnerability with later police contact
Early childhood emotional and behavioural problems can increase the risk of later contact with the criminal justice system.
“We know that people with mental health problems are more likely to have contact with the criminal justice system in adulthood and adolescence, but this study indicates that the association can begin much earlier in life,” said Professor Kimberlie Dean. Image: Shutterstock
Children assessed by their class teacher as having emotional or behavioural problems are more likely to have contact with police later on compared to children without such problems, a new study led by UNSW Sydney researchers has revealed.