Sacramento, Calif., September 20, 2005–

New research shows that young women and girls who suffer a trauma - an emotionally painful, distressing, or shocking experience - at a young age are more likely, than those who don’t, to end up on the path to delinquency. This is largely due to the fact that exposure to traumatic events can often lead to repeated trauma exposure in adolescence and adulthood.

The study, A Roadmap to Mental Health Services for Transition Age Young Women: A Research Review (TAY Report), sponsored by the California Women’s Mental Health Policy Council (WMHPC) in collaboration with the California Institute for Mental Health (CIMH), cites research conducted by the United States Justice Department in which a clear relationship was found linking youth victimization, mental health problems and delinquent behavior. For example, exposure to early trauma often increases the risk of illicit substance abuse and subsequent revictimization among girls.

“More girls are becoming involved in the justice system at younger ages, and some for more violent offenses,” said Lynne Marsenich, LCSW author of the TAY Report. “The delinquent behaviors that propel these young women into the justice system can often be traced to trauma and the aftermath of trauma. A greater understanding of risk factors as well as effective interventions for young women are key to helping these women get their life back on track, ” Marsenich continued.

According to the study, mental health prevention research has yielded a greater understanding of risk factors as well as effective interventions for young women. The study recommends that health practitioners become more familiar with these findings as they develop interventions for transition age women.

A Roadmap to Mental Health Services for Transition Age Young Women: A Research Review can be viewed in its entirety, by visiting www.cimh.org/downloads/TAYFinalReport421055.pdf.

Hard copies can be ordered for $7.00/per copy from Publications, CIMH, 2125 19th Street, 2nd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95818, phone (916)556-3480 or jhernandez@cimh.org.

Founded in 1999, the California Women’s Mental Health Policy Council WMHPC is a statewide, non-partisan membership organization dedicated to ensuring effective gender specific and culturally appropriate mental health services for women and girls. The California Institute for Mental Health was established in 1993 to promote excellence in mental health services through training, technical assistance and policy development.

Press Contact:
Lynne Marsenich
California Institute for Mental Health
Phone: (916) 556-3480
lmarsenich@cimh.org