Assignment Task:
Problem 1: The research project aims to explore the link between trauma and crime in incarcerated adult males aged 25-45, primarily from low-income backgrounds, highlighting systemic inequalities in the justice system, particularly among men of color housed in medium correctional facilities. The challenges faced by this group are diverse and complicated. Many members have endured severe childhood trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence.
Consequently, they frequently battle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Complex PTSD, in addition to substance abuse disorders. These problems are exacerbated by struggles with emotional regulation and impulse control, scarce mental health resources before incarceration, and increased rates of recidivism. Furthermore, they often encounter difficulties establishing and sustaining healthy interpersonal relationships, with prevalent trust issues. Essential growth areas for this demographic involve cultivating healthy coping strategies, resolving unaddressed trauma and its consequences, enhancing emotional intelligence and self-awareness, gaining job skills and education for successful reintegration, mastering conflict resolution and anger management skills, and fostering prosocial attitudes and behaviors.
To explore treatment options for this population, three potential research sources include First, a journal article titled " Examining the Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and Involvement in the Justice System " by Wyrick and Atkinson (2021), published in the NIJ Journal, could provide a comprehensive overview of current research linking childhood trauma and adult criminality. Second, another journal article titled "Trauma and Prospects for Reentry" by Pettus (2023) might offer insights into trauma-informed practices within correctional settings. Lastly, a government report from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs evaluating trauma-informed care programs in adult correctional facilities by Wilson et al (2018) could provide data on existing programs, their effectiveness, and implementation recommendations.
These resources could significantly improve my understanding of how addressing trauma in this population might reduce recidivism rates, improve mental health outcomes, and enhance overall rehabilitation efforts within the criminal justice system.
Question: How does the timing of traumatic experiences across the lifespan influence an individual's vulnerability to criminal behavior?
Problem 2: Having worked with at risk children for over 8 years, I have seen firsthand the risks with population of aging adult out of foster care are face.The lack of opportunities, as well as, lack of life skills taught to these children while in care. The transition from foster care to independence, is one of the most crucial period for a foster youth, and this timemost foster youth are confronted with a numerous amount of obstacles. Research findings have developed a troubling narrative about youth leaving foster care (Jones 2014). Congress attempted to address the post-discharge difficulties of foster youth by passing the Independent Living Initiative in 1986, which mandated that the states develop services that would prepare youth for life after foster care (Jones 2014).
However, it is unclear what effect these programs have on post-fostercare trajectories (Jones 2014).
This largely qualitative study examined the perceptions of a sample of discharged foster six months after leaving care (Jones 2014). Most youth felt prepared for life and foster care (Jones 2014). They were also for the most part were satisfied with their independent living program, but had significant dissatisfactions with elements of the program (Jones 2014). These satisfactions and dissatisfactions are reported along with suggestions for improvement (Jones 2014). I chose this topic, because of my concern for the population of young adults aging out of foster care, who face these obstacles, lack of education, inadequate means of employment, unstable housing. The focus of my research is to exam these challenges, and to find intervention to combat the lack of resource to ease the transition from foster care to independent living. It is my belief, that filling the gaps of transitional living could be successfulwith support for aging foster children, with the resources needed to live successfully. However, studies show that with the large population of foster youth aging out of foster care, there is a large number of these youth that have been successful in transiting to independent living. A thematic content analysis was conducted on the Experience Project Forum, analyzing self-reported experiences during and after foster care. Initial findings based on over 360 posts suggest that while negative experiences were abundant, the ability for individuals to become successful and exercise resilience after emancipation was evident (Jackson & Cesaroni 2021).
Did you know over 20% of the homeless population are former foster youth?
Did you know that 30% of foster children, have at least one parent who were also in foster care?
Why do children of former foster children end up in foster care? How can we as society break this cycle?