Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Clarence Williamson

Abstract

AbstractThe juvenile justice system of the United States has about two million adolescents under the age of 18 years, of which 85% are male. Seventy to ninety percent of juvenile offenders were exposed to some type of trauma, causing the U.S. Department of Justice to a call for instituting trauma-informed procedures in the juvenile justice system. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore facility administrators’ and practitioners’ perceptions of their roles in administering and choosing to administer trauma-focused treatment interventions to incarcerated male juvenile offenders. Using the theory of social construction of policy, the research questions focused on practitioners’ and administrators’ perceptions of their decision-making related to trauma-focused treatment for juvenile offenders. Seven individuals participated in semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis yielded results indicating that practitioners assessed trauma, tailored interventions, and built treatment readiness in offenders. Administrators reported tailoring interventions and monitoring progress, and both groups cited the inability to control environmental factors such as juveniles’ family and neighborhood conditions, developmental challenges, and a lack of transition support for juveniles after release. Despite constraints, professionals could respond to offenders’ trauma-related needs. More research is needed to examine actual clinical practice. The study’s findings may be used by administrators for positive social change by developing a systematic, collaborative approach to trauma-informed treatment for juvenile offenders leading to a decrease in recidivism, and healthier communities overall.

Download

Included in

Philosophy Commons

Share

 
COinS