Thousands of children ages 12 and under are referred to juvenile justice systems each year, and little is known about how their experiences may differ from those of older youth. The purpose of this study was to compare risk factors associated with juvenile justice referral between children and adolescents and examine differences in adjudication and disposition of referred children and adolescents. The moderating role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) was also examined. Using data from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, results suggest children referred to the juvenile justice system are more likely to have experienced greater numbers of ACEs, have family and school problems, and be referred by schools. Results also indicate children and adolescents differ in their experiences within the juvenile justice system, and that experiences vary according to exposure to ACEs. Results suggest juvenile justice system officials should consider the unique needs of children referred to the system and be cognizant of the influence of non-legal factors in decision-making for this population.

每年有数以千计的 12 岁及以下儿童被转介到少年司法系统，但人们对他们的经历与年长青年的经历有何不同知之甚少。本研究的目的是比较儿童和青少年之间与少年司法转诊相关的风险因素，并检查被转诊的儿童和青少年在裁决和处置方面的差异。还检查了不良童年经历（ACE）的调节作用。使用佛罗里达州少年司法部门的数据，结果表明被转介到少年司法系统的儿童更有可能经历过更多的 ACE，有家庭和学校问题，并被学校转介。结果还表明，儿童和青少年在少年司法系统中的经历不同，并且经验会因接触 ACE 的不同而有所不同。结果表明，少年司法系统的官员应该考虑到该系统的儿童的独特需求，并认识到非法律因素对这一群体的决策的影响。