Addressing Trauma and Disproportionate Ethnic Minority Contact in Juvenile Justice through Empowerment

Trauma and Disproportionality in the Juvenile Justice system are intimately related constructs that evolve out of powerlessness. Disproportionality has many causes, but at its core, there is a historical component that has consistently and methodically stripped Ethnic minorities of power. This removal of power is further experienced in the number of traumatic events to which these individuals are exposed within their families, communities, and systems with which they have contact. This webinar will explore both the historical and current causes for disproportionality and the relationships between trauma responses, violence and disproportionality. The presenters will also pose potential avenues to truly engage families and communities in the formation of new systems and services, which are built upon principles of empowerment.