LAUSR

Key Points Question Are youths with a history of incarceration at increased risk of early mortality compared with youths with no history of incarceration? Findings In this cohort study of 3645 previously incarcerated youths, the all-cause mortality rate was 5.9 times higher in previously incarcerated youths than the rate observed in general population, Medicaid-enrolled youths. Homicide was the leading cause of death among formerly incarcerated youths, accounting for more deaths than all other causes combined. Meaning These findings suggest that delinquency and violence prevention strategies that incorporate a culturally informed approach and consider sex and developmental level are critical to reduce early mortality in this high-risk youth population.