This report presents findings of an assessment of a trauma-informed decision protocol for juvenile justice.
This study seeking 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-needs-responsivity model found that use of the TIDP can support effective collaboration with other child serving systems. TIDP provides a straightforward and transparent way for juvenile probation officers (JPOs) to consolidate the results of intake screening and risk/need assessment tools into a single form that will then drive subsequent follow-up and case planning decisions. Working with juvenile justice partners in diversion, probation, and placement settings, this study (a) documented current juvenile justice practice for trauma screening, assessment, referral, and care delivery in the research sites; (b) developed and implemented the TIDP with the research site partners; and (c) examined the effects of implementing the TIDP on trauma screening and case management practices. A structural analysis of the TIDP level of concern ratings indicates a number of criminogenic needs that consistently emerged as being impacted by either traumatic events or trauma reactions. These associations appeared to be primarily impacted by emotional abuse/neglect and family violence exposure as well as a range of trauma reactions. Providing some preliminary evidence of the trauma-related LOC ratings as reflecting responsivity factors, both the total traumatic event LOC and total trauma reaction LOC ratio scores were significant predictors of JPO decisions to identify a youth as in need of further trauma assessment or treatment. Finally, a substantial change in the percentage of trauma-responsive case plans was found after integrating the TIDP into the intake process, suggesting a greater attention to trauma needs in the development of the case plans and improved access to services.