Incarcerated Children: Reformatting Treatment and Avoiding Re-traumitization
Throughout our course something that has really stuck with me is the treatment of incarcerated persons and the propensity for unavoidable re-traumatization in the way that the prison systems are set up. This has especially stuck out to me when thinking about children. Juvenile detention systems should be safe spaces that promote hope and growth and instill a motivation to make a difference and build a positive life after release. According to a study done at the University of New Mexico, most children incarcerated have had multiple Adverse Childhood Experiences and traumas before even entering the system. “Research shows that intervention is needed in these children’s lives before they get to the system.” Although this shouldn’t have to be the case the system needs to be a place of nurturing and allow for room for improvement. The study also states that the findings indicate that there needs to be programs of support accessible for these children when they return to society as well as statewide systems and prevention models for their time inside(Knopf, A. 2016).
This is strong evidence of the need for many changes while children spend their time within the system. It is possible and it is imperative for changes to be made. There are so many classifications for trauma Acute Stress Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder etc. There are also many existing modes of treatment as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Pharmacotherapy, and many more(Rousseau, 2019). What is missing is looking at survivors of trauma holistically and as their own separate cases. What is needed is a personalized patient centered care approach in prisons for each and every incarcerated child. There is evidence of this in The Art of Yoga Project, a project created by the California Juvenile Justice system for incarcerated young girls. This powerful program integrated art, mindfulness meditation, and yoga to act as an activity and healing tool for incarcerated girls. Programs as this in prisons are a massive step forward in caring for and nurturing incarcerated children treating them holistically. The results of the study revealed that something as simple as gender responsive programming has the power to instill self discipline and respect, improve overall self confidence and care, and provide guidance and therapy all at the same time.
I feel that if we begin to place trauma treatment at the forefront of public health, interventions will become much higher quality. This is important for trauma treatment overall but especially for those incarcerated. It is so easy to provide aromatherapy, yoga classes, art and music therapy, maybe even an infrared sauna or trampoline or a gym. Treating those that have undergone trauma with a holistic approach and holistic modalities is the future for trauma informed care and is fairly easy to implement in prisons too.
Citations
Harris, A. H., Fitton, M. L. (2010). The Art of Yoga Project: A Gender Responsive Yoga and Creative Arts Curriculum for Girls in the California Juvenile Justice System. International Journal of Yoga Therapy. Palo Alto, CA.
Knopf, A. (2016). Incarcerated children more likely to have experienced trauma. Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly,28(13), 3-4. doi:10.1002/adaw.30522
Rousseau, Danielle. (2019). Module : Pathways to Recovery: Understanding Approaches to Trauma Treatment [Class Handout]. Boston, MA: Boston University, CJ702.