NCJ Number: 235757
Title: Healing Invisible Wounds: Why Investing in Trauma-Informed Care for Children Makes Sense
Author(s): Erica J. Adams, M.D.
Date Published: August 2010
Page Count: 15
Sponsoring Agency: Annie E. Casey Foundation
Sale Source: Justice Policy Institute
Document: PDF
Type: Issue Overview; Legislation/Policy Analysis
Format: Document
Language: English
Country: United States of America
Annotation: This paper documents the prevalence and effects of trauma experienced by children and youth as well as why trauma’s effects often bring youth into contact with the criminal justice system, followed by a discussion of the importance of providing effective trauma-informed care for children in order to prevent their becoming involved in the justice system.
Abstract: Trauma is a common experience of many children in the United States. A traumatic event can involve interpersonal events such as physical or sexual abuse, war, community violence, neglect, maltreatment, loss of a caregiver, or witnessing violence or experiencing trauma vicariously. It can also result from severe or life-threatening injuries, illness, and accidents. The direct and indirect costs associated with child maltreatment alone make it among the most costly public health problems in the United States. Youth who have experienced trauma may be more likely to be involved in illegal behavior for a variety of reasons, including the neurological, psychological, and social effects of trauma. Although many States are currently challenged by record budget deficits, cutting prevention and trauma-informed programs may result in more costs down the road. The direct and indirect costs associated with child maltreatment make it among the most costly public health problems in the United States. Beyond the social benefit, by preventing or addressing child maltreatment early, both direct (medical and psychiatric care, government services, criminal justice, and child protection services) and indirect (lost earning and productivity) costs could be lowered substantially by investing in programs that work. 65 notes
Main Term(s): Juvenile delinquency factors
Index Term(s): Adolescents at risk; Child abuse as delinquency factor; Children at risk; Early intervention; Juvenile delinquency prevention; Post-trauma stress disorder (PTSD)
To cite this abstract, use the following link: http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=257744
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