Which mental health difficulties and contextual risk factors are associated with children and young people’s involvement in crime and violence?

Why we funded this

Children and young people involved in crime and violence are more likely to experience a range of mental health difficulties, including conduct disorder, ADHD, depression, and substance misuse. These problems often occur alongside wider social and environmental risks—such as family adversity, exposure to violence, and socioeconomic disadvantage—which can further increase the likelihood of offending. 

Despite a substantial body of research, important evidence gaps remain. Many studies have relied on small or local samples, self-reported measures, or have examined individual risk factors in isolation. As a result, we know relatively little about how different mental health conditions, their timing, and their interaction with social and environmental risks combine to influence later violence and criminal justice involvement. 

This study aims to address these gaps by identifying which mental health and contextual factors most strongly predict violence. The findings will help improve risk identification and inform more effective prevention strategies and policy responses. 

What are the main research questions

The main research questions include: 

• Which mental health conditions and risk factors are most strongly associated with later involvement in crime and violence? 
• How do combinations and timing of mental health difficulties and contextual risks influence the likelihood of criminal justice involvement? 
• How do sociodemographic characteristics such as ethnicity, gender, and deprivation moderate the relationship between mental health, risk factors, and violent behaviour? 

What the analysis involves 

This study will use anonymised health records from South London and Maudsley NHS Trust (SLaM) and linked hospital data to explore how mental health and life circumstances relate to crime and violence among children and young people. The dataset includes records on over 70,000 individuals with detailed information on mental health diagnoses, risk factors (such as family difficulties, abuse, or neglect), and demographic characteristics like age, ethnicity, and deprivation. Using statistical techniques such as survival analysis and regression modelling, the study will identify which factors most strongly predict later involvement in crime or violence, and how these risks develop over time. The findings will help inform earlier, more targeted interventions to support young people’s mental health and reduce their risk of offending or violent behaviour.