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- Title
Implementing Trauma-Informed Practice in Juvenile Justice Systems: What can Courts Learn from Child Welfare Interventions?
- Authors
Ezell, Jerel M.; Richardson, Margaret; Salari, Samira; Henry, James A.
- Abstract
Many youth entering juvenile court systems show manifestations of psychological trauma. Focusing on rural juvenile courts, systems with greatly underserved and under-researched populations, we assessed practices, barriers, and recommendations around trauma-informed practice, an evidence-based approach for addressing trauma and reducing delinquent behavior and recidivism. As part of a pilot trauma-informed practice initiative at four rural Michigan juvenile courts, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 court staff, including probation officers, referees, judges, and on-site clinical therapists. Respondents expressed an ideological affinity for trauma-informed practice, describing growing inclinations to rely on referral-making around mental health treatment in lieu of traditional (punitive) sentencing. Key implementation barriers included limited access to local mental health resources, insufficient buy-in from K-12 schools, government, and police, and concerns over professional abilities/boundaries. Respondents recommended additional technical trainings on trauma-informed practice and cross-disciplinary education for clients’ families and external stakeholders.
- Subjects
MICHIGAN; TRAUMA-informed practice; COURTS; PREVENTION of juvenile delinquency; RECIDIVISM prevention; JUVENILE delinquency laws; CHILD welfare; HEALTH services accessibility; INTERVIEWING; RESEARCH methodology; MENTAL health; EMOTIONAL trauma; PUNISHMENT; QUALITATIVE research; PILOT projects
- Publication
Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 2018, Vol 11, Issue 4, p507
- ISSN
1936-1521
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s40653-018-0223-y