Assessing a Trauma-Informed Decision Protocol for Juvenile Justice Practitioners

This project is being led by the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice, Policy Research Associates and faculty at Fordham University and the University of Connecticut Health Center, representing the Center for Trauma Recovery and Juvenile Justice, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, Juvenile Court of Fulton County (GA), Crawford County Juvenile Court (PA), and the Court of Common Pleas-Venango County (PA). The overall objective of this study is to advance the field by testing a replicable trauma-informed decision protocol (TIDP) consisting of trauma-informed screening and case planning based on the Risk-Need Responsivity model of case planning. Working with juvenile justice partners in settings that represent the full continuum from pre-adjudication diversion to juvenile corrections. OJJDP has a longstanding tradition of working to protect children from being victimized and exposed to trauma-producing situations. This award 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