Evaluating TARGET Trauma-Informed Juvenile Program in Community Corrections

The overall goal of this research initiative is to advance evidence-based practices for trauma informed care of youth in the juvenile justice system. This research advances this goal by conducting a process and outcome evaluation of a well established trauma informed care model in conjunction with other best practices. OJJDP has a longstanding tradition of working to protect children from being victimized and exposed to trauma-producing situations. This award to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte will support a rigorous evaluation focused on the integration of trauma-informed care for youth who have come into contact with the juvenile justice system. Currently, national recognition is growing regarding the importance of providing trauma-informed care to this population to facilitate healing and to reduce re-traumatizing experiences within the juvenile justice system. To inform the development, adaptation, and/or replication of evidence-based practices, the process of implementation and the impact of trauma screening, assessment, and treatment throughout juvenile justice settings must be evaluated. CA/NCF