Overview
Learn how and why trauma is relevant to juvenile delinquency—and what to do about it!
This groundbreaking book addresses the connection between childhood trauma and juvenile delinquency. Trauma and Juvenile Delinquency: Theory, Research, and Interventions begins with two chapters presenting theoretical models of the relationship between trauma and the development/persistence of antisocial behavior. Another chapter addresses trauma-related assessment issues for juveniles, and several chapters present cutting-edge research on various aspects of the relationship between trauma and delinquency. Finally, several chapters focus on theory-based and empirically supported trauma-focused therapeutic interventions for juvenile delinquents. No other single source provides such breadth and depth of coverage on this topic!
From the editor: Disruptive behavior disorders are by far the largest type of mental health referral for children and adolescents, while juvenile crime and violence continue to be major social concerns. Several bodies of literature have converged to suggest that trauma is more than incidental to the problem of juvenile delinquency, it contributes to the problem.
Trauma and Juvenile Delinquency: Theory, Research, and Interventions explores:
- how trauma relates to conduct disorder
- the connection between traumatic victimization and oppositional/defiance problems
- ways to assess PTSD in adolescents
- how exposure to violence, delinquent activity, and posttraumatic stress symptomatology are related
- the unique trauma histories of incarcerated girls and the problems they have adjusting to life within the juvenile justice system
- how to develop group therapy services for incarcerated male juvenile offenders with PTSD
Editorials
Reviewer: Gary B Kaniuk, Psy.D.(Cermak Health Services)
Description: The book goes to great lengths to illustrate the relationship between trauma and juvenile delinquency.
Purpose: According to the editor, "the purpose of this volume is to focus attention on the role of trauma in juvenile delinquency by presenting the cutting edge in theory, research, and interventions, and to provide direction for further study." These are very worthy objectives, which the book meets.
Audience: The editor does not really say for whom the book is written. I believe the book is useful for graduate students and clinicians in the fields of psychology, social work, and criminal justice. The editor and contributors are credible authorities.
Features: The book covers theory, research, and interventions regarding trauma and juvenile delinquency. It is very readable and is chock full of research studies. The chapters on adolescent females are particularly enlightening. Dr. Greenwald, in the chapters he authors, shows the promising results of EMDR in treating traumatized adolescents.
Assessment: The book is good because it addresses the role of trauma in juvenile offenders. The research is current and treatment options are discussed. It shows the importance of dealing with underlying traumatic events before other conduct problems can be effectively treated. Juvenile delinquents are a very difficult population to treat, but this book can assist clinicians in their work.
4 Stars! from Doody