The link between vulnerability and social exclusion and criminal trajectories. An association study

The aim of this study is to identify the relationship between criminal trajectories and factors involving vulnerability and social exclusion in adolescents in conflict with the law. To this end we analysed 281 case files of these adolescents in the city of Valencia and produced 3 types of criminal trajectory -initial, moderate and consolidated-associated with vulnerability and social exclusion indicators. Empirical evidence of the relationship is provided. Criminal trajectories and factors involving vulnerability and social exclusion are found to be closely connected, intertwined and overlapping. The accumulation of vulnerability and social exclusion factors in adolescents in conflict with the law works in such a way that the greater the accumulation and intensity, the greater the probability of developing a consolidated criminal trajectory. Demonstrating the link between them is essential in order to modify psychosocial intervention with these adolescents, whether this happens before the start of the criminal trajectory or later so as to prevent it from becoming consolidated. (C) 2016 Colegio Oficial de Psicologos de Madrid. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U.