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How Complex Developmental Trauma, Residential Out-of-Home Care and Contact with the Justice System Intersect

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 March 2017

Jenna Bollinger ,
Stephanie Scott-Smith  and
Philip Mendes
Jenna Bollinger
Affiliation:
Department of Social Work, Monash University, PhD Candidate
Stephanie Scott-Smith
Affiliation:
Personality and Behaviour Disorder Services, Corrective Services NSW
Philip Mendes*
Affiliation:
Department of Social Work, Monash University, Melbourne
*
address for correspondence:Associate Professor Philip Mendes, Department of Social Work, Monash University. E-mail: philip.mendes@monash.edu
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Abstract

Complex developmental trauma impacts on neurobiological development through the creation of a frightening and unpredictable environment in which the brain develops. This early experience results in an under-developed limbic system and pre-frontal cortex. For some children and young people, their experiences of early trauma lead them into the residential Out-of-Home Care (OOHC) system. Neurodevelopmental delays that occur as a result of early trauma and abuse often become particularly pronounced during adolescence, including limited impulse control, poor emotional regulation and attachment impairments. These same delays contribute to offending behaviour and subsequent contact with the justice system. Complex developmental trauma has serious repercussions both for the individual and the society in which he or she lives. These repercussions may take the form of offending behaviour and contact with the justice system, drug and alcohol abuse, and continuing cycles of abuse and violence within families or victimisation.

Keywords

traumaout-of-home carecriminal justice systemattachmentbrain developmentresidential care
Type
Articles
Information
Children Australia , Volume 42 , Issue 2 , June 2017 , pp. 108 - 112
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2017 

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