Pathways to Death Row for America's Disabled Youth: Three Case Studies Driving Reform

This article uses the case study method to examine the lives of three youths with disabilities living in the southern part of the United States who have followed a pathway to death row. An empirically established developmental and theoretical framework is used to examine issues related to the influe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of youth studies 2004-12, Vol.7 (4), p.451-472
Main Authors: Schroeder, Julie, Guin, Cecile C., Chaisson, Rebecca, Houchins, David
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescents
Behavior Theories
Biographical Inventories
Biographies
Capital Punishment
Case Studies
Caseworker Approach
Crime Prevention
Criminal Law
Critical Incidents Method
Critical Theory
Disabilities
Disadvantaged Youth
Early Intervention
Functional Behavioral Assessment
Handicapped
Hermeneutics
Investigations
Juvenile Justice
Juvenile Offenders
Narratives
Phenomenology
Social Work
United States
United States of America
Youth Problems
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Summary:This article uses the case study method to examine the lives of three youths with disabilities living in the southern part of the United States who have followed a pathway to death row. An empirically established developmental and theoretical framework is used to examine issues related to the influence of disabilities and race on children and youths, and their pathway to delinquency and crime. Through criminological life-history research methods, the study demonstrates the path taken by three youths with disabilities and showcases how the analysis of information gleaned from these life stories creates new narratives about pathways to death row. Moreover, the presentation of these narratives to legislators and policy-makers has influenced reform in the American juvenile justice system. The combined use of life-history research and social work advocacy provides a more effective and successful method by which to request and secure the resources necessary for intervening in the youth pathway to death row. Finally, this collaborative research effort has resulted in the passage of legislative acts that have created early intervention truancy prevention centers-centers based on the stories about these three young men in their elementary school years.
ISSN:1367-6261
1469-9680
DOI:10.1080/1367626042000315220