Description
ABSTRACT
Purpose: This paper describes a three-pronged trauma-informed program for deviant youth: prevention, treatment, and reentry into society.
Design: The paper design was structured by the professor’s subheadings, requesting student’s personal experience, research, valid resources, application to proposed solution, actual evidence-based solution, alternative solutions not chosen, assumptions, barriers, feasibility of solution, and social reaction to change over time.
Findings: In the first prong, prevention, three major reforms are proposed: integration of school trauma training and conflict resolution practices; removing status and minor offenses; and improvements to the quality of and accessibility to prosocial activities
and healthcare options. In the second prong, treatment, four major reforms are proposed: keeping youth in their communities and involving families in treatment; utilization of restorative justice practices when applicable; housing youth in Sanctuary Model facilities when necessary; and removal of transfer to adult court. In the third prong, reentry, three major reforms are proposed: continued access to mentorship and support programming, continued access to treatment options, and mandating of transitional care.
Research limitations/implications: Limitations include state and national governmental objections and funding. Public support is implied for successful implementation. Practical implications: Wide acceptance requires substantial funding, but many of the reforms
can be implemented at minimal cost. Social implications: Adolescent inhumane practices will be decreased, recidivism reduced, and deviant youth given opportunities for rehabilitation.
Originality/Value: This proposal is original in its three-pronged, comprehensive approach and has substantial value because of incorporation of successful Missouri Model principles and components.
Keywords: adolescent confinement, juvenile justice, reform, rehabilitation, trauma-informed
