Psychological Trauma In Juveniles

Most youth detained in juvenile justice facilities have extensive histories of exposure to psychological trauma. Traumatic stress plays a key role in their mental health and behavioral problems and needs, and in their safety and rehabilitation and in the security and effectiveness of detention facilities. In a study conducted by _______, 92.5% of the sample of detained youth had experienced at least one type of psychological trauma at some point in their lives and over 50% of the sample had been exposed to six or more potentially traumatic adversities (Abram et al., 2014). Exposure to multiple adversities in childhood increase the risk for negative physical health, mental health, and social outcomes later in life. These problems are related

According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, a traumatic event is a dangerous or distressing experience, outside the range of usual human experience, that overwhelms the capacity to cope. Traumatic experiences commonly result in intense emotional and physical reactions, feelings of helplessness and terror, and threatens serious injury or death (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network [NCTSNET], 2014). Trauma informed providers strive to be aware of the association between how traumatized youth understand the world and interact with others differently from other children and how to provide appropriate treatment for those with a history of traumatic exposures. The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACE) has been one of the largest research investigations exploring the link between childhood stressors and long-term consequences on adult health. Early childhood trauma has been shown to alter brain development and neurochemical pathways away from a healthy trajectory. These experiences have also been shown to have enduring effects that lead to the disruption of typical development and functioning by inhibiting neuronal connections that are important for the body’s stress response and other complex tasks. Consistent, high levels of chronic stress cause neurobiological and neurophysiological changes to brain functioning. Adverse childhood experiences have consequences for healthy physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development through adolescence and into adulthood. The primary goal of a trauma-informed intervention is to promote meaningful changes to the social and emotional wellbeing of children who have experienced