A scoping review of socioeconomic risk factors among incarcerated youth offenders with language disorders

Abstract

PURPOSE : Youth offenders disproportionately come from low socioeconomic status backgrounds and are more likely to present with a language disorder than their non-offending peers. Literature on the presence of socioeconomic status-related risk factors among youth offenders with language disorders is limited, despite its important role in both language development and youth offending behaviour. METHOD : A scoping review protocol was developed using the PRISMA-ScR protocol and executed across five electronic databases. Data sources were deduplicated, screened, charted, and appraised. Synthesis was conducted using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Initially, 787 sources were identified, of which 16 (1993–2024) were analysed. RESULT : Thirteen sources (81.3%) that investigated language disorders among incarcerated youth offenders and discussed result related to socioeconomic status factors were identified. Eleven risk factors were identified, with the most frequent being illicit substance use (n = 6, 46.2%), dropping out of school (n = 4, 30.8%), and coming from low-income communities (n = 3, 23.1%). CONCLUSION : Despite significant variability and inconsistency in measurement, a number of socioeconomic status-related risk factors were identified. A dearth in literature on diverse contexts and demographics were observed. The need for further research on socioeconomic status risk factors among youth offenders with language disorders is evident.