Juvenile Trauma

The researcher conducted a review of various studies found in the current literature which focused on trauma among adolescents in juvenile detention settings. “A traumatic event can involve interpersonal events such as physical or sexual abuse, war, community violence, neglect, maltreatment, loss of a caregiver, witnessing violence or experiencing trauma vicariously, it can also result from severe or life-threatening injuries, illness and accidents” (Adams,2010, p.1). Many adolescents entering the juvenile detention facilities are oftentimes, faced with a number of problems prior to detention. Some have experienced their share of traumatic events in their lives, which have shaped or pre-determined what the future may hold for many. “Youth …show more content…
Moreover, complicating the matter is the altering and damaging effect it has on the functionality of brain, due to the number of traumatic experiences early in life. “A growing body of research in developmental neuroscience has begun to uncover the pervasive detrimental effects of traumatic stress on the developing brain” (Adams, 2010, p.2). Therefore, such events or exposure for some of these kid’s presents unreasonably high levels of stress in their young lives. Despite, such outcomes and alarming statistics, it’s surprising some juvenile institutions haven’t taken greater steps in screening detainees, who may have experienced some level of trauma. “Evaluation/screening recommendations for adolescents in secure treatment settings and correctional facilities require modification. A first issue is how to distinguish the adolescent detainee who is in need of an in-depth comprehensive evaluation from other youths” (Banga, Connor, Chapman & Ford, 2012, p.734). Many institutions pride themselves for screening their detainees on drug use and suicidal ideation, which certainly doesn’t address trauma concerns. “Many children and youth in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems have experienced or witnessed violence or other traumatic events and suffer the fear of ongoing exposure to harm, these experiences can lead to increased …show more content…
“People who have experience trauma often have abnormal blood levels of stress hormones, and parts of the brain responsible for managing stress may not function as well as in people who have not been exposed to trauma” (Adams, 2010, para.7). The impact of such events could have a lasting impression on the adolescent development. “The confluence of these factors can result in children experiencing difficulties in attending school, holding down jobs, and integrating with their peers and community” (Kendall & Pilnik, 2012, p.4). This could range from a number of serious maladjustments such as depression, anxiety, risk taking, and oppositional defiance which could possibly lead to substance abuse. “Trauma is considered a significant risks factor, accounting for numerous items in checklists of factors connected to delinquency or dangerousness” (Meyer, 2011, p.11). Certainly, such problems pose a significant challenge in treating and managing juveniles in a restricted environment such as