Provider and caregiver preferences for trauma-informed intervention: Results from a best-worst scaling exercise

Evidence-based practices for responding to traumatic stress in adolescents exist; however, the implementation of these practices within the juvenile legal system (JLS) is limited. This is problematic given the high rates of trauma experiences among youth involved in the JLS. To inform future implementation efforts, we sought to understand preferences for trauma-informed interventions among JLS service providers (e.g., therapists) and service recipients (i.e., caregivers) through a choice experiment known as best-worst scaling.

Ninety-five participants (65 providers and 30 recipients) completed a best-worst scaling choice experiment. Participants evaluated 19 components of trauma-informed intervention developed through consultation with experts at the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Count analysis and probability of choice scores identified the most preferred components of intervention, while analysis of variance tested whether service provider and caregiver preferences differed.

Participants expressed a strong preference for programs that prevent youth from experiencing trauma, provide general trauma-informed intervention, target potential emotional problems after a traumatic experience, and are provided 30 days following a traumatic event. In comparison to service recipients, service providers expressed stronger preferences for trauma programs to that are 1:1 with the service provider, delivered in schools or residential settings, and low-cost programs. In comparison to service providers, service recipients expressed stronger preferences for programs to be delivered in the youth's home, in a traditional mental health clinic, or via a self-help format.

Knowledge of these preferences can be instrumental in planning and designing trauma interventions for JLS-involved youth. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).