Evidence-Informed Interventions for Posttraumatic Stress Problems with Youth Involved in the Juvenile Justice System

Therapeutic treatment of the psychosocial after-effects of childhood exposure to traumatic stressors is a key component in the development of trauma-informed juvenile justice systems (Kerig, 2012). More than 80% of juvenile justice-involved youth report a history exposure to at least one traumatic event at some point in their lives, and the majority of youth report multiple forms of victimization (e.g., Abram et al., 2004; Dierkhising et al., 2013; Ford, Hartmann, Hawke, & Chapman, 2008; Ford, Grasso, Hawke, & Chapman, 2013; Kerig et al., 2011, 2012). Longitudinal research also demonstrates that childhood traumatic stress is predictive of adolescent delinquency (Ford, Elhai, Connor, & Frueh, 2010) and that, once youth are on a delinquent course, traumatic stress is associated with the severity of youths’ offenses and their likelihood of recidivism (see Kerig & Becker, 2014 for a review). Many youth in the juvenile justice system have experienced multiple, chronic, and pervasive interpersonal traumas, which places them at risk for chronic emotional, behavioral, developmental, and legal problems (Ford, Grasso, Hawke et al.,
2013; Kerig et al., 2012). Unresolved posttraumatic stress can lead to serious long-term consequences across the entire lifespan, such as problems with interpersonal relationships; cognitive functioning;
mental health disorders, including PTSD, substance abuse, anxiety, disordered eating, depression, selfinjury, and conduct problems (Ford, 2010)—all of which can increase the likelihood of involvement in delinquency, crime, and the justice system (Ford, Chapman, Pearson, & Mack, 2006; Kerig & Becker, 2014). Further, youth who are exposed to traumatic stressors while in juvenile justice supervision or
detention are prone to problem behaviors that endanger other youths and adults (DeLisi et al., 2010). Therefore, effective therapeutic interventions provided on a timely basis and matched to the specific
needs and life circumstances of each traumatized youth can begin the crucial process of restoring responsible social citizenship and healthy development for troubled youths, as well as potentially
enhancing the safety and health of their families, communities, schools, peer-groups, and workplaces.