In media and sociopolitical debates the topic of adolescent offenders with a migration background is of high significance; however, only few studies have addressed specific psychosocial and psychopathological risk factors of delinquent behavior in the group of immigrant adolescent offenders. The present study is based on 273 juvenile offenders (117 Swiss nationals and 156 immigrants) who were assessed for the first time by forensic experts at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Zurich, between 2001 and 2010. Family background, school problems and psychiatric disorders were coded according to a forensic documentation system. In addition, adolescent self-reports of parental behavior, negative life events and emotional and behavioral problems were included in the study. Immigrant juveniles showed more family-related and school-related problems compared to Swiss juveniles. According to expert opinions the group of juveniles with a migrant background showed higher rates of criminal and violent behavior of a family member, higher rates of mental or physical handicaps of a family member, a lower socioeconomic status, a lower level of education and a higher rate of school drop-out. Furthermore, conduct disorders were more frequently found in immigrant juveniles compared to Swiss juveniles. In self-reports immigrant juveniles revealed a higher level of parental rejection than Swiss juveniles. In conclusion, juveniles with a migration background represent a specific risk group with accumulated psychosocial adversities. Prevention and intervention programs should particularly focus on this specific risk group. © 2014, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Immigration Psychosocial adversities Juvenile delinquency psychiatric disorders

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