Adverse childhood experiences and violent acts of young people in secure accommodation

Abstract

This paper details the adverse childhood experiences of young people resident in secure accommodation, namely Glenthorne Youth Treatment Centre, in Birmingham. Many of the young people referred to secure care had experienced extremely dysfunctional and/or abusive family environments, as well as disruptive, numerous care placements. This, in turn, contributed to school failure. This places these young people at risk of committing violent acts both towards themselves and towards others.