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The feasibility and utility of trauma screening for children involved in the juvenile justice system
Jason M Lang1,2,3, Brittany C L Lange1, Christian M Connell4,5
1Child Health and Development Institute of Connecticut, Inc., Farmington, Connecticut, USA.
Insights
Child trauma screening is feasible and useful in juvenile justice settings. Staff found the Child Trauma Screen practical, with minimal distress reported for children and caregivers, suggesting its value for identifying youth needing trauma-focused care.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood trauma exposure is common and leads to adverse outcomes.
- Many children with traumatic stress symptoms are unidentified or undertreated.
- Trauma screening is a strategy to improve identification, but staff have concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe staff perceptions of trauma screening feasibility, utility, and potential distress.
- To evaluate the Child Trauma Screen's use in juvenile justice settings.
Main Methods:
- The Child Trauma Screen was administered in 1,272 screenings with youth in the juvenile justice system.
- Caregiver reports were completed for 1,190 youth.
- Staff completed postscreening surveys on feasibility, utility, and perceived distress.
Main Results:
- Trauma screening was generally considered feasible and worthwhile by staff across roles.
- Few staff reported significant child or caregiver discomfort during screening.
- Differences in feasibility and utility were noted based on staff role.
Conclusions:
- Trauma screening measures are practical and useful in juvenile justice settings with adequate support.
- Nonclinical staff can effectively administer trauma screens, potentially benefiting from additional training.
- Trauma screening can improve identification of youth requiring trauma-focused interventions.
Abstract:
Childhood exposure to potentially traumatic events and adversity is highly prevalent and linked to adverse outcomes. Many children suffering from symptoms related to traumatic stress are not identified or do not receive appropriate trauma-focused treatment, including evidence-based treatments. Trauma screening is a promising strategy to improve identification, but many child-serving staff members have concerns about asking youth and caregivers about trauma. This study aimed to describe staff perceptions about the feasibility, utility, and potential for distress associated with trauma screening. Between 2014 and 2019, the Child Trauma Screen was used in 1,272 trauma screenings completed by juvenile probation officers or mental health clinicians as part of routine practice with youth in the juvenile justice system. Further, 1,190 caregiver reports about youth trauma were completed for youth in the juvenile justice system. Staff completed a brief postscreening survey about the feasibility and utility of the screening and the perceived level of child or caregiver distress. Across staff roles, trauma screening was deemed to be feasible and worthwhile to practice, with very few staff members reporting that children or caregivers appeared very uncomfortable as a result of screening, although some differences in feasibility and utility by staff role did occur. Trauma screening measures appear to be useful and practical in juvenile justice settings when appropriate support is provided, including when administered by nonclinical staff. Nonclinical staff may benefit from additional training, consultation, or support with trauma screening.
