John Howard Association of Illinois

Childhood exposure to traumatic events can cause developmental issues and is associated with a variety of behavioral symptoms. Childhood trauma is reported at alarming rates among children in the juvenile justice system.

Although trauma is not exclusively a problem of incarcerated youth, the rate is much higher. This is particularly problematic because of the risk of ongoing traumatic stress while in a detention facility.

To read the full piece on Incarcerated Youth & Childhood Trauma authored by Angela Weis, Counsel & Policy Analyst for the John Howard Association, click here (PDF).