TABLE 2.

Life Course Health Development Conceptualization of Canada’s Youth Justice Minimum Related to Unfolding

LCHD Child Justice Principle: Supporting Children to Overcome Past Challenges Can Help Prevent the Development of Disruptive Behaviors and Subsequent Interactions With Law Enforcement Throughout Children’s Lifespans
Salient Ideas	Exemplar Quotes
Identification of root problems		“So many people only identify the behaviors, but they don’t understand where the behaviors are stemming from. So, I try to educate them [teachers, police officers, parents] in every opportunity I have.” Pediatrician
Recognition of disruptive behaviors as response to trauma or unmet need for children		“[At-risk children] start off, generally speaking, with real challenges, with parents who might have mental health or addiction issues, or just there’s neglect. A disproportionate number of young people come from the child welfare system or should have been in it. So... they’re dealing with trauma. Their behavior eventually is criminalized when they turn 12.” Legal youth advocate
Counseling as a solution to address escalation of disruptive behavior		“I know I definitely internally have this dialogue with myself constantly, which is those youth and children and youth who you know need counseling. Past trauma, whatever, and that their behaviors are going to continue to escalate until the counseling is established.” Pediatrician

“Unfolding” is health development that unfolds continuously over the lifespan, from conception to death, and is shaped by prior experiences and environmental interactions.¹⁸