Trauma-Informed Care In Juvenile Detention Settings: Practices, Challenges, and Staff Experiences.

Background and Purpose

Youth in juvenile detention often have histories of trauma, including abuse, neglect, family instability, community violence, and poverty. These experiences can affect their emotional well-being, behavior, and interactions with authority figures (Yannon et al., 2024). As a result, trauma-informed care (TIC) has become an important approach in the juvenile justice system. TIC focuses on understanding the impact of trauma and responding in ways that promote safety, trust, and support for youth (Zettler, 2020). However, juvenile detention facilities operate in a unique context. They are typically short-term, secure environments that function more as holding facilities rather than treatment-oriented settings (Holman & Ziedenberg, 2006). This structure can create hesitation and confusion among staff about how to apply TIC, as daily priorities often emphasize safety, control, and quick processing instead of long-term therapeutic care (Dierkhising et al., 2013). Despite growing attention to TIC, there is limited research on how detention staff and administrators understand and apply these principles in practice (Branson et al., 2017). This study explores how trauma-informed care is understood and implemented in juvenile detention, including related practices, policies, and challenges.

Methods

This study used a qualitative research design. Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff members and administrators from juvenile detention programs across thirteen U.S. states. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke (2006), with support from Dedoose software. A line-by-line open coding process was used to identify key themes related to trauma, trauma disclosure, staff responses, institutional practices, and organizational challenges.

Findings

Findings show that staff widely recognize that most youth entering detention have experienced multiple forms of trauma. Participants described trauma as experiences that disrupt a young person’s sense of safety, development, and ability to cope. Staff noted that youth are more likely to share traumatic experiences after trust is built, rather than through direct questioning. Trauma-informed care was commonly described as understanding the link between trauma and behavior, responding with empathy, and creating safe and structured environments. Staff reported using several practical strategies, including building strong relationships, maintaining consistent routines, offering positive reinforcement, encouraging youth voice and choice, and using strength-based approaches. However, participants also identified key challenges to implementing TIC. These included a strong institutional focus on security, limited training and ongoing support, staff burnout, and broader systemic constraints within the juvenile justice system.

Conclusion and Implications

Trauma-informed care is increasingly recognized as important in juvenile detention, but its implementation varies across facilities and depends on organizational culture and available resources. The findings highlight the need for improved staff training, stronger organizational support, and policies that better balance security with the psychological needs of youth. Strengthening trauma-informed practices may improve staff–youth relationships, support youth well-being, and promote more rehabilitative outcomes within the juvenile justice system.