Trauma-Informed Court

Abstract

Trauma-informed practices recognize the widespread impact of trauma on individuals and the need to deliver services that avoid re-traumatization. In the context of the mainstream court system, trauma-informed care is crucial for ensuring that individuals who have experienced trauma are treated with compassion and understanding. Trauma-informed care can help court officials recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma, including the triggers that can cause individuals to experience distress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, and take steps to address those triggers. The purpose of this research is to map the degree and extent of trauma-informed practices in two judicial districts within the criminal and juvenile court systems in Kansas. By mapping the results, we identified areas where trauma-informed practices are already being implemented effectively, as well as gaps and need for improvements. This information can be used to develop targeted interventions to increase the implementation of trauma-informed care practices throughout the criminal and juvenile justice systems.