Urban Institute

Juvenile Justice and Health Equity: The Role of Trauma-Informed Courts for Youth with Disabilities

The Urban Institute and Georgetown Law hosted a panel on juvenile justice, health equity, and the role of trauma‑informed courts for youth with disabilities. Moderator Brian Smmedley introduced Professor Kristen Henning, a veteran juvenile defender, and a diverse group of advocates to explore how trauma and disability intersect within the juvenile system. Panelists highlighted that most young people entering juvenile courts have already endured adverse childhood experiences, and that cognitive, emotional, and developmental disabilities are vastly over‑represented. They argued that current trauma‑informed court models improve rehabilitative outcomes but often ignore the specific needs of disabled youth, leaving a gap in services and perpetuating cycles of harm. Concrete examples underscored the stakes: Henning cited 26 years of defending DC youth; John Bun shared his wrongful homicide conviction at age 14; and mother Melody Moore questioned whether her son’s system involvement could have been avoided with proper special‑education supports. Psychologist‑lawyer Amanda Zelahuski emphasized evidence‑based practices that bridge law, psychology, and health. The discussion concluded that policymakers must expand trauma‑informed frameworks to address disability, dismantle racial disparities, and foster cross‑sector collaboration among courts, health providers, and educators. Such reforms promise to de‑criminalize trauma responses, improve health outcomes, and reduce the disproportionate incarceration of vulnerable youth.