Trauma-Informed Theory in Criminal Justice

Abstract

Abstract Many children, youth, and adults involved with the criminal justice system have long histories of emotional, psychological, and physical traumas, often stemming from child abuse and neglect Estimates suggest that upwards of 80% of justice-involved youth report at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE). This finding is echoed within a sample of justice-involved women, with nearly 90% indicating a history of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. This chapter reviews the ACE and trauma research as it applies to criminal justice involvement. In particular, it examines how trauma such as child maltreatment and exposure to violence is represented in criminological theories such as general strain theory and the gendered pathways perspective and how criminal justice programs integrate trauma-informed responses into treatment, training, and education.