Health and Racial Disparities During the Transition to Adulthood After Incarceration

Transition to adulthood research often excludes health. Yet mortality rates suggest a racial divide in health risk factors among young men. Violence claims blacks. Drugs claim whites. Youth with these risk factors typically interact with the criminal justice system, which may help or harm their transitions. This study examines the relationships between criminal justice policies, health (substance abuse, violence), and adult transitions (education, work, home). Policy implications are discussed.