Trauma Responsive Unit Treats, Protects, and Eliminates Use of Force With Youth

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

Since 2009, the number of youth in detention has dropped by about half. Of those remaining, 70% have mental health diagnoses often related to high levels of trauma exposure. The San Diego County Probation Department addressed this gap in continuum of care by participating in the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform’s “Youth in Custody” certificate program at Georgetown University. The Department consulted with experts in trauma and juvenile justice in developing plans for a specialized treatment unit within Juvenile Hall. Probation created a 20-bed Trauma Responsive Unit to better meet trauma-specific needs of male youth in custody. The program focuses on teaching youth specific skills to better manage disruptive behavior that results from day to day trauma triggers. Currently the unit includes only males but probation plans to expand the program to include females. The Trauma Responsive Unit is a cross-system collaboration with Probation, Education, Health and Human services, and Juvenile Court. The program encompasses formal Cognitive Behavioral Therapy treatment, a modified Trauma Informed Care custodial environment and therapeutic approach. The Trauma Responsive Unit has had zero assaults or violent incidents during the first year of operation (March 1, 2016 to February 28, 2017) compared to 29 and 14 in that same time in comparable units. It has also significantly reduced suicidal behavior among youth compared to similar male housing units. Strategies applied within this unit have reduced the need for use of force. Additionally, 76% of youth who completed the four treatment sessions reported reduced trauma symptoms.