Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the Family Environment: Examining the Association Between ACEs and Different Types of Juvenile Recidivism

This study analyzes data from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice on 12,143 youth leaving diversion placements to explore how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) influence recidivism. Drawing on a social learning framework, this study examines the general versus specific effects of the ACE score and items on violent, property, and drug recidivism. Multivariate multilevel regression models revealed that higher ACE scores predict violent and property recidivism but not drug recidivism. Notably, ACEs are a stronger predictor of violent recidivism, driven by specific ACE items including exposure to violence and abuse. The results suggest that ACEs may be linked with recidivism via direct transmission, but the support is not unequivocal. Implications of these findings are discussed.