Trauma Informed Juvenile Justice Assessment and Treatment

OJJDP's Field Initiated Research and Evaluation (FIRE) Program funds research and evaluation that address how the juvenile justice system responds to juvenile delinquency. Funded research projects seek answers to questions that will inform policy and suggest ways to enhance the juvenile justice system. As set forth in the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, as amended (Pub. L. No. 93-415, 42 U.S.C. § 5601 et seq.), OJJDP may conduct research or evaluation in juvenile justice matters, for the purpose of providing research and evaluation relating to control of juvenile delinquency and serious crime committed by juveniles; successful efforts to prevent first-time minor offenders from committing subsequent involvement in serious crime; successful efforts to prevent recidivism; and the juvenile justice system. This program is authorized pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 3796ee et seq.

The study will examine the effectiveness of comprehensive trauma assessment and treatment for youth in juvenile justice systems, a project that is currently occurring in five Michigan counties and is based on the Blueprints for Change model (intervention is funded by a SAMHSA initiative). Specifically the study will employ a two-group multiple-post test design to assess a variety of individual level outcomes as a result of trauma-informed assessment and treatment including possible reductions in recidivism, improvement in academic standing, improved behavior, enhancement of youth resilience, and reductions in trauma symptoms. The sample will include 700 subjects, 430 treatment & 270 non-treatment controls. The results of the study will help to inform juvenile justice systems across the country about the importance of improving the lives of children involved with juvenile justice through trauma informed care.

CA/NCF