Psychosocial impacts of institutional violence on adolescents in semi-freedom and internment socio-educational measures: a systematic review

Objective:  This systematic review analyzes the available research on the psychosocial effects of institutional violence on adolescents subjected to semi-freedom and internment socio-educational measures in Brazil, based on the Child and Adolescent Statute (ECA) and the National Socio-Educational Assistance System Law.

Methods:  Eighteen articles were included that discuss violations of rights that should be legally protected and their negative impacts on adolescents serving semi-freedom and internment socio-educational measures.

Results:  The findings indicate that the punitive prison model prevails in socio-educational units, negatively affecting the psychosocial aspects of adolescents deprived of liberty.

Conclusion:  It was observed that investment in mental health can prevent the incidence of criminal acts, in addition to the need for pedagogical standardization in each socio-educational unit. Furthermore, the data point to the urgency of replacing deprivation of liberty with measures that prioritize social reintegration, ensuring the full protection of adolescents’ rights.

KEYWORDS
Socio-educational Measures; Psychological intervention; Adolescents in Conflict with the Law; Mental health; Juvenile justice