Abstract
This study explored the characteristics and outcomes of crossover youth (youth who come from the child welfare system and cross over into the juvenile justice system also known as Welfare and Institution Code 241.1 youth) in Alameda County. The study results were compared to a Los Angeles County study of 241.1 youth with the assumption that crossover youth will have similar characteristics no matter what region they come from. Maltreatment, disparity of African-American males, instability in placement, mental health issues, co-occurring disorders, poor academic achievement, and a lack of permanency were prominent in the findings. Child welfare and juvenile justice system should collaborate in providing preventative and intervention services to decrease the risks of foster youth becoming a delinquent. Michelle Saeteurn and Janay Swain are co-authors in this research study. The two authors of this study have contributed equally to the research.