Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Andrew Carpenter

Abstract

Incarceration rates around the United States continue to increase for Black male adolescents. These numbers are even more significant in Atlanta, where youth spend time in juvenile detention centers and return soon once released. Summary findings from existing research showed the lack of mental health services provided once a youth has been released from incarceration, but a lack of specifics around the services needed remains. The purpose of the current study was to explore the experiences of Black male adolescents who received little to no trauma informed care post-incarceration. A qualitative, phenomenological approach was used to conduct semistructured interviews with eight Black males between the ages of 18–25 who had incarceration history and a mental health diagnosis. Participants shared their experiences on the minimal knowledge of trauma informed care and the barriers faced to get access to mental health resources in the community. Using a phenomenological qualitative design, participant responses from the interviews were analyzed in-depth through thematic analysis. The results indicated that although Black males experienced significant amounts of trauma, there was a lack of trauma informed resources and support available. There were four themes that emerged from the findings of the study including societal perceptions of mental health, loss of support and resources, programming needs, and unaddressed trauma. Positive social change implications from this study include, black males, families, and professionals in the community, becoming educated on creating accessible trauma informed services for youth.

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