Trauma, Justice, and Equity: Using Critical Theories and Concepts to Address Systemic Harm Among Youth Punishment System-Involved Black Girls

This review critically evaluates the existing literature on youth punishment system (YPS)-involved Black girls and their intersections of with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It synthesizes findings from previous studies, identifying key research trends, gaps, and controversies, wh...

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Main Author: Camille R. Quinn
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Behavioral Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/15/1/31
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author Camille R. Quinn
author_facet Camille R. Quinn
author_sort Camille R. Quinn
collection DOAJ
description This review critically evaluates the existing literature on youth punishment system (YPS)-involved Black girls and their intersections of with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It synthesizes findings from previous studies, identifying key research trends, gaps, and controversies, while also highlighting areas in need of further investigation. Black girls, particularly those involved in systems such as juvenile justice, child welfare, and education, often face disproportionate exposure to violence, abuse and neglect, trauma, and systemic racism. For Black girls with histories of trauma and PTSD, these intersecting challenges are compounded by the added vulnerabilities of race, gender, and YPS involvement. This article argues that addressing the complex needs of this population requires recognition that Black girls’ harm is criminalized and, therefore, inextricably linked to their YPS-involvement, so a comprehensive, culturally responsive approach that includes trauma-informed care, healing-centered engagement, and holistic support systems are needed. Equitable access to tailored mental health services, educational resources, and culturally relevant interventions is essential to mitigate the long-term effects of trauma, promote resilience, and foster healing. Additionally, advocacy efforts to dismantle systemic harm and address racial and gender disparities are critical for creating inclusive environments that empower and support Black girls in these systems. By centering their lived experiences, this review emphasizes the importance of fostering environments of healing, justice, and equity for this vulnerable population.
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spelling doaj-art-5bc2303bbe204b60981c4c884cd939cb2025-01-24T13:22:40ZengMDPI AGBehavioral Sciences2076-328X2025-01-011513110.3390/bs15010031Trauma, Justice, and Equity: Using Critical Theories and Concepts to Address Systemic Harm Among Youth Punishment System-Involved Black GirlsCamille R. Quinn0Center for Equitable Family and Community Well-Being, School of Social Work, University of Michigan, 1080 South University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USAThis review critically evaluates the existing literature on youth punishment system (YPS)-involved Black girls and their intersections of with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It synthesizes findings from previous studies, identifying key research trends, gaps, and controversies, while also highlighting areas in need of further investigation. Black girls, particularly those involved in systems such as juvenile justice, child welfare, and education, often face disproportionate exposure to violence, abuse and neglect, trauma, and systemic racism. For Black girls with histories of trauma and PTSD, these intersecting challenges are compounded by the added vulnerabilities of race, gender, and YPS involvement. This article argues that addressing the complex needs of this population requires recognition that Black girls’ harm is criminalized and, therefore, inextricably linked to their YPS-involvement, so a comprehensive, culturally responsive approach that includes trauma-informed care, healing-centered engagement, and holistic support systems are needed. Equitable access to tailored mental health services, educational resources, and culturally relevant interventions is essential to mitigate the long-term effects of trauma, promote resilience, and foster healing. Additionally, advocacy efforts to dismantle systemic harm and address racial and gender disparities are critical for creating inclusive environments that empower and support Black girls in these systems. By centering their lived experiences, this review emphasizes the importance of fostering environments of healing, justice, and equity for this vulnerable population.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/15/1/31Black girlsyouth punishment systemtraumaPTSD
spellingShingle Camille R. Quinn
Trauma, Justice, and Equity: Using Critical Theories and Concepts to Address Systemic Harm Among Youth Punishment System-Involved Black Girls
Behavioral Sciences
Black girls
youth punishment system
trauma
PTSD
title Trauma, Justice, and Equity: Using Critical Theories and Concepts to Address Systemic Harm Among Youth Punishment System-Involved Black Girls
title_full Trauma, Justice, and Equity: Using Critical Theories and Concepts to Address Systemic Harm Among Youth Punishment System-Involved Black Girls
title_fullStr Trauma, Justice, and Equity: Using Critical Theories and Concepts to Address Systemic Harm Among Youth Punishment System-Involved Black Girls
title_full_unstemmed Trauma, Justice, and Equity: Using Critical Theories and Concepts to Address Systemic Harm Among Youth Punishment System-Involved Black Girls
title_short Trauma, Justice, and Equity: Using Critical Theories and Concepts to Address Systemic Harm Among Youth Punishment System-Involved Black Girls
title_sort trauma justice and equity using critical theories and concepts to address systemic harm among youth punishment system involved black girls
topic Black girls
youth punishment system
trauma
PTSD
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/15/1/31
work_keys_str_mv AT camillerquinn traumajusticeandequityusingcriticaltheoriesandconceptstoaddresssystemicharmamongyouthpunishmentsysteminvolvedblackgirls