Date of Defense

5-29-2025

Date of Graduation

6-2025

Department

Finance and Commercial Law

First Advisor

Donald Cooney

Second Advisor

Colleen Stano

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the multifaceted issues facing the Kalamazoo, Michigan juvenile justice system (KJJS), specifically focused on the strategies employed by KJJS to address youth offender’s trauma history, the challenges faced, and the resulting outcomes. Utilizing a semi-structured interview approach, insights were gathered from 18 participants working within or closely connected to KJJS, including judges, probation officers, police, mental health professionals, the juvenile home medical provider, and community organization leaders and staff. Semi-structured interview analysis identified the extent and deep impact of trauma stemming from early life experiences such as community violence, physical and psychological abuse, and family issues that serve as a root cause of many of the behavioral issues among the youth offenders in KJJS. Key findings highlight significant parental issues and lack of family support, a critical lack of adequate mental health resources, consistent staffing issues within the juvenile home, and challenges within the detention facility itself. Analysis uncovered systemic system barriers, such as delays in the legal process, lack of KJJS funding, and interventions that focus on behavior without acknowledgement or treating underlying trauma that individually and together hindered effective intervention. This study underscores the importance of relationships, mentorships, and peer support, the critical role of community programs, the need for better collaboration between them and the KJJS, and the need for consistent trauma-informed training across KJJS. Various strategies like Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST), diversion programs, and psychological evaluations are utilized, though their effectiveness is often limited by issues of access, sustainability, and a severe lack of suitable placements and aftercare services. The outcomes for youth offenders were mixed, many continued to struggle due to unaddressed trauma, and recidivism. Fortunately, positive outcomes have been observed in specific programs, relationships, and a perceived systemic shift towards rehabilitation. The findings revealed a need for increased funding, improved collaboration, enhanced parental support, focus on early intervention, strengthening in-detention services, development of placement options, and integrating lived experiences into policy and practice. The study’s limitations include the absence of direct youth voices, highlighting a critical area for future research.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Restricted

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