NCJ Number
243623
Date Published
2004
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Because trauma related to victimization often underlies problem behaviors that bring juveniles into contact with the justice system, where trauma may intensify, this paper reviews trauma-focused, family-based, and group-based interventions that show promise for use with youth in the juvenile justice system.
Abstract
Most of the trauma-focused treatments share an emphasis on teaching several key skills. These include emotion identification, processing, and regulation; anxiety management; identification and alteration of maladaptive cognitions; and interpersonal communication and social problem solving. Research studies of juvenile justice populations over the past 10 years have generally found that the most effective programs with this population are highly structured, emphasize the development of basic skills, and provide individual counseling that directly addresses behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions (Altschuler, 1998). Cognitive behavioral approaches have been particularly effective for youth in the juvenile justice system, as well as for children with general anger and disruptive behaviors. In the guidelines for the treatment of victims of physical or sexual trauma recently published by the U.S. Department of Justice, the only trauma-focused therapy that received a high rating for adolescent trauma treatment was Cohen, Mannarino, and Debinger's (2003) cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for posttraumatic stress disorder. To date there are no known research studies on the use of CBT for trauma with youth involved in the juvenile justice system; however, this therapy has proven effective for youth exposed to a variety of traumatic events and has received the strongest empirical support from studies with abused children. This therapy can be used in individual, family, and group therapy, as well as in office-based or school-based settings. Juvenile justice facilities have an opportunity to raise the standard of care for youth by providing effective trauma-focused treatment and family-based interventions. 21 references