Gender & Trauma — Somatic Interventions for Girls in Juvenile Justice: Implications for Policy and Practice

The Center on Poverty and Inequality, The Art of Yoga Project, April 2017

40 Pages Posted: 11 May 2017

See all articles by Rebecca Epstein

Rebecca Epstein

Georgetown University Law Center - Center on Gender Justice & Opportunity

Thalia González

University of California Hastings College of Law ; Georgetown Law Center

Date Written: April 25, 2017

Abstract

This report maps the ways in which trauma-informed, gender-responsive, and culturally competent yoga and mindfulness programs can address the short- and long-term impacts of trauma on girls in the juvenile justice system. The first of its kind, this report is based on two pilot programs conducted by the Center on Poverty and Inequality in residential programs for girls in Connecticut and Pennsylvania, as well as an extensive literature review and comprehensive interviews with experts in trauma-informed yoga programs across the country. Drawing from these resources, it seeks to inform policymakers, judges, juvenile justice facility administrators and staff, and others working with system-involved girls about the importance of viewing girls’ trauma through a gendered and an intersectional lens. In addition, this report introduces trauma-informed, gender-responsive yoga as a somatic intervention that can significantly support the diverse mental and physical health needs of system-involved girls. Finally, it highlights key policy considerations and recommendations for those working with girls in the juvenile justice system to develop and scale-up somatic interventions.

Keywords: Juvenile Justice, Trauma, Gender-Based Interventions, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Mental Health, Somatic Practices, Yoga, Mindfulness

Suggested Citation

Epstein, Rebecca and González, Thalia, Gender & Trauma — Somatic Interventions for Girls in Juvenile Justice: Implications for Policy and Practice (April 25, 2017). The Center on Poverty and Inequality, The Art of Yoga Project, April 2017, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2965674

Rebecca Epstein

Georgetown University Law Center - Center on Gender Justice & Opportunity ( email )

600 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
United States

Thalia González (Contact Author)

University of California Hastings College of Law ( email )

200 McAllister St
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.uchastings.edu/people/thalia-gonzalez/

Georgetown Law Center ( email )

Washington, DC
United States

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