Essential Elements of a Trauma-Informed Juvenile Justice System

Trauma-informed policies and procedures make juvenile justice organizations safer and more effective by ensuring the physical and psychological safety of all youth, family members, and staff and promoting their recovery from the adverse effects of trauma. Juvenile justice policies and procedures are trauma-informed when they establish—at every level in the organization—a culture that (1) recognizes the adverse effects of trauma on youth, families, and staff; (2) that requires and supports operational practices that consistently prevent further traumatization; and (3) that supports healing and recovery of all trauma-affected individuals in the organization.