Implications for Policy and Practice

This chapter explores how findings from criminal trajectory research might be used to inform the development of policies and programs both within the criminal justice system (e.g., for assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of offenders) and outside the criminal justice system (e.g., for early intervention and prevention). Although some scholars may be sceptical of the applied relevance of criminal trajectory research, given the controversies discussed in Chapter 3, we hold a more optimistic position. We argue that trajectory research has applied relevance if viewed broadly, from the developmental systems, developmental and life course criminology, and criminal career perspectives. When viewed from these frameworks, trajectory research reminds us that a person-centered, developmentally informed approach to working with individuals involved in the justice system, as well as young people at risk for contact with the justice system, yields positive outcomes. Understanding the developmental processes (e.g., role of developmental tasks and adaptive functioning), developmental risk factors, and later life outcomes for different trajectory groups may help identify areas to target for prevention, early intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation.