Case Study of Sarah – A High-Risk Female Involved in Criminal Activity and Pregnancy
Sarah, a 22-year-old female, grew up in a socio-economically disadvantaged
neighborhood
plagued by poverty, substance abuse, and crime. She was raised by her
plagued by poverty, substance abuse, and crime. She was raised by her
mother, who struggled
with addiction and had frequent run-ins with the law. Sarah’s father was largely absent, having
been incarcerated for much of her childhood. With little parental supervision and growing up in
a chaotic environment, Sarah’s early years were marked by neglect and exposure to negative
influences.
At the age of 15, Sarah dropped out of school and began spending time with older peers who
introduced her to criminal activities. By 17, she was involved in petty theft, shoplifting, and drug
use. Her involvement escalated
with addiction and had frequent run-ins with the law. Sarah’s father was largely absent, having
been incarcerated for much of her childhood. With little parental supervision and growing up in
a chaotic environment, Sarah’s early years were marked by neglect and exposure to negative
influences.
At the age of 15, Sarah dropped out of school and began spending time with older peers who
introduced her to criminal activities. By 17, she was involved in petty theft, shoplifting, and drug
use. Her involvement escalated
over time, and by the age of 20, she was engaged in more
serious crimes, such as drug
serious crimes, such as drug
trafficking and burglary. Her criminal record expanded, but she
managed to avoid
managed to avoid
long-term incarceration by cooperating with law enforcement on several
occasions.
At 21, Sarah found herself deeply entrenched in a criminal network, working primarily as a lowlevel drug courier. She began a relationship with Mark, a 28-year-old male who was also
occasions.
At 21, Sarah found herself deeply entrenched in a criminal network, working primarily as a lowlevel drug courier. She began a relationship with Mark, a 28-year-old male who was also
involved in drug distribution. The relationship was volatile, often involving physical abuse, and
exacerbated by both Sarah and Mark’s substance use. Sarah’s reliance on drugs,
exacerbated by both Sarah and Mark’s substance use. Sarah’s reliance on drugs,
particularly
methamphetamines, deepened as she used them to cope with the harsh
methamphetamines, deepened as she used them to cope with the harsh
realities of her life.
During this time, Sarah discovered she was pregnant. The pregnancy
During this time, Sarah discovered she was pregnant. The pregnancy
was unplanned and
occurred during a period of heavy drug use. Her initial reaction was
occurred during a period of heavy drug use. Her initial reaction was
one of shock and confusion.
The thought of bringing a child into her unstable life was overwhelming. She considered
terminating the pregnancy, fearing the health effects of her
The thought of bringing a child into her unstable life was overwhelming. She considered
terminating the pregnancy, fearing the health effects of her
drug use on the unborn child and
her ability to be a mother.
Despite her pregnancy, Sarah continued to engage in criminal activities, driven by financial
necessity and her reliance
her ability to be a mother.
Despite her pregnancy, Sarah continued to engage in criminal activities, driven by financial
necessity and her reliance
on drugs. Mark’s abuse escalated during her pregnancy, and Sarah’s
criminal behavior became riskier as she took on more dangerous roles within the drug
distribution network. She was arrested twice during her first trimester, once for possession and
another time for
criminal behavior became riskier as she took on more dangerous roles within the drug
distribution network. She was arrested twice during her first trimester, once for possession and
another time for
assault following an altercation with Mark. Due to the nature of her offenses
and her cooperation with authorities, she was released on probation both times.
As her pregnancy progressed, Sarah became increasingly aware of the long-term consequences
of her choices.
and her cooperation with authorities, she was released on probation both times.
As her pregnancy progressed, Sarah became increasingly aware of the long-term consequences
of her choices.
The physical toll of her lifestyle became more pronounced, as her health
deteriorated due to malnutrition, substance abuse, and stress. She feared losing custody of her
child after
deteriorated due to malnutrition, substance abuse, and stress. She feared losing custody of her
child after
birth and began to contemplate the possibility of change, although she felt trapped
by her circumstances.
During her second trimester, Sarah was arrested again, this time for
by her circumstances.
During her second trimester, Sarah was arrested again, this time for
possession with intent to
distribute, a more serious charge that could lead to significant
distribute, a more serious charge that could lead to significant
prison time. This arrest marked a
critical turning point. A youth worker assigned to her case recognized the unique challenges
Sarah faced as a pregnant woman involved in criminal activity and worked to get her placed
into a diversion program rather than prison.
GROUP
critical turning point. A youth worker assigned to her case recognized the unique challenges
Sarah faced as a pregnant woman involved in criminal activity and worked to get her placed
into a diversion program rather than prison.
GROUP
INSTRUCTIONS
Instructions: All responses for the project should refer to major
Instructions: All responses for the project should refer to major
concepts
and
templates from modules in – Youth and Development Work: Personal and
templates from modules in – Youth and Development Work: Personal and
Professional Practice, such as personal development plans, positive youth development
approach, strengths perspective, and Occupational Health and Safety among others.
Design a project that targets the needs of at-risk female youth in conflict with the law.
Using a
basic project outline, answer the following question to design your project.
basic project outline, answer the following question to design your project.
Your project will consist of 3 components: a Conceptual Background/
Component 2: The Conceptual Background
Which concepts or templates from the module can be useful for working with
youths in
youths in
this situation? Why? Identify at least three (3) concepts and two
templates.
Approx. 500
templates.
Approx. 500
words.
Use APA referencing