Can an ACE Screening Interview Itself be Therapeutic?
Therapeutic Jurisprudence in the Mainstream (2018 Forthcoming)
4 Pages Posted: 26 Nov 2018
Date Written: November 18, 2018
Abstract
This short (few page) essay suggests a properly and compassionately conducted interview of a person regarding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) can itself provide important therapeutic value by lessening shame and humiliation and, accordingly, anxiety, depression, and other health and mental health conditions. From a therapeutic jurisprudence (TJ) perspective, which looks at the law as a potential therapeutic agent, the essay suggests that problem-solving courts (drug courts, mental health courts, domestic violence courts, veterans' courts, community courts, etc.) explore using a private, compassionate ACE interview as a standard ingredient of the eligibility/admission process.
Keywords: Therapeutic jurisprudence, problem-solving courts, ACE, Adverse Childhood Experiences
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation