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

Why It Matters

Integrating disability considerations into trauma‑informed juvenile courts can break the cycle of trauma, improve health equity, and curb the over‑incarceration of marginalized youth.

Key Takeaways

• Trauma precedes most youth entry into juvenile courts.
• Youth with disabilities are disproportionately represented in the system.
• Trauma‑informed courts improve outcomes but lack disability focus.
• Racial disparities amplify trauma and disability impacts on justice involvement.
• Cross‑sector collaboration needed to de‑criminalize trauma responses for youth.

Summary

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.

Original Description

Research shows that youth with disabilities face disproportionate involvement in the juvenile legal system and heightened risk of trauma. Yet trauma-informed courts, which seek to recognize trauma and prevent retraumatization in courtroom proceedings, rarely address their unique needs, leaving critical gaps that can worsen health inequities. Join legal scholars, health professionals, and people with lived experience for a discussion of actionable, trauma-informed strategies to protect and promote the health and well-being of youth with disabilities.

Speakers

- John Bunn, Exoneree; Founder, A Voice 4 The Unheard

- Kristin Henning, Blume Professor of Law and Director, Juvenile Justice Clinic and Initiative, Georgetown Law

- Hector Linares, Edward J. Womac Jr. Endowed Clinic Professor, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law

- Melody Moore, Parent and Advocate for Youth in the Foster Care System

- Brian Smedley, Senior Fellow, Health Policy Division, Urban Institute

- Amanda D. Zelechoski, Clinical Professor of Psychology and Director, Clinical Services, Veldman Family Psychology Clinic, University of Notre Dame