Effect of trauma-informed supervision in youth detention center: A retrospective study

Abstract

This study retrospectively evaluates a pilot program instituted at a juvenile detention center that aimed to provide trauma-informed care (TIC) to detained youth through development of a trauma-informed care housing unit with specialized supervision and training. Secondary data of worker injuries caused by direct youth contact were documented in workers compensation claims and analyzed by unit (TRU: treatment responsive unit vs TAU (I): treatment as usual). There was a total of 324 full-time equivalent work weeks in a 9-month period when the program was piloted. The relative risk of injury on the TAU unit vs. TRU is 9.00 [CI 4.58, 17.66]. This resulted in higher costs and increased modified workdays in the TAU unit. There were no significant differences in turnover rates stratified by TARGET training status and assignment to TRU. Semi-structured interviews with supervisors endorsed increased support perceived by TRU staff leading to improved organizational commitment and job satisfaction.

Keywords:

• Juvenile detention
• occupational injury
• trauma

Disclosure statement

All Authors of this article declare that they have no conflicts to report.

Ethical statement

This study was granted IRB exemption due to the fact that the data analyzed was secondary administrative data.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nader Hashweh

Nader Hashweh, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO; Felicia Johnson, Psychological Services, 22^nd Judicial Circuit, St. Louis, MO; Timothy Chrusciel, Department of Health and Clinical Outcomes Research, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO; Alicia Barnes, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO. Nader Hashweh is now at Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, University of Chicago; Alicia Barnes is now at Department of Psychiatry at University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center. Nader Hashweh, MD, is a Psychiatry Resident at University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.

Felicia Johnson

Felicia Johnson, Ph.D, Licensed Psychologist specializing in trauma treatment and trauma informed care. She is also Psychological Services Supervisor at 22^nd Judicial Circuit, St Louis MO.

Timothy Chrusciel

Timothy Chrusciel, MPH, Senior Biostatistician at The AHEAD Institute at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO.

Alicia Barnes

Alicia Barnes, DO, MPH, is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, and clinical research professor that focuses on mental wellbeing for marginalized youth and is the Associate Director of the Center of Youth Advocacy and Wellbeing at The University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center.