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Therapeutic Work with Delinquent Violent and Sexually Harmful Children and Youth

Logan Cox

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Published in From Trauma To Harming Others: Therapeutic Work With Delinquent Violent And Sexually Harmful Children And Young People

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Delinquent violent and sexually harmful children and youth (DVSHCY) represent a significant challenge to the mental health and criminal justice systems. These children and youth have often experienced severe trauma and abuse, and they may have difficulty regulating their emotions and behavior. They may also be at risk for engaging in further violence or sexual offending. As a result, it is essential that DVSHCY receive specialized therapeutic services that are designed to address their unique needs. This article provides an overview of therapeutic work with DVSHCY. It discusses the unique challenges and rewards of working with this population, and provides practical guidance for therapists.

From Trauma to Harming Others: Therapeutic Work with Delinquent, Violent and Sexually Harmful Children and Young People

by Graham Music

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	496 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	198 pages

Challenges of Working with DVSHCY

There are a number of challenges associated with working with DVSHCY. These challenges include:

Trauma. DVSHCY have often experienced severe trauma, which can have a significant impact on their development and behavior. Trauma can lead to difficulty regulating emotions and behavior, difficulty forming relationships, and difficulty trusting others.
Mental illness. DVSHCY are also at risk for developing mental illness, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Mental illness can further complicate treatment and make it more difficult for DVSHCY to succeed.
Substance abuse. DVSHCY are also at risk for substance abuse, which can further exacerbate their problems. Substance abuse can lead to difficulty concentrating, difficulty making decisions, and difficulty controlling impulses.
Criminal behavior. DVSHCY have often engaged in criminal behavior, which can lead to legal consequences and make it difficult for them to access services.

Rewards of Working with DVSHCY

Despite the challenges, there are also a number of rewards associated with working with DVSHCY. These rewards include:

Making a difference. DVSHCY are often marginalized and underserved. Therapists who work with this population can make a real difference in their lives by helping them to address their trauma, mental illness, substance abuse, and criminal behavior.
Learning from DVSHCY. DVSHCY have a lot to teach us about resilience and recovery. Therapists who work with this population can learn a great deal about the human spirit and the power of hope.
Making a contribution to society. DVSHCY are at risk for continuing to engage in violence or sexual offending. Therapists who work with this population can help to reduce this risk and make a positive contribution to society.

Practical Guidance for Therapists

Therapists who work with DVSHCY should be aware of the unique challenges and rewards associated with this population. They should also be familiar with the following practical guidance:

Trauma-informed care. Therapists should be trained in trauma-informed care, which is an approach to care that is sensitive to the impact of trauma on individuals and families.
Cultural competence. Therapists should be culturally competent, which means that they are able to understand and work effectively with people from different cultures.
Collaboration. Therapists should collaborate with other professionals, such as case managers, social workers, and law enforcement, to provide a comprehensive approach to care for DVSHCY.
Safety planning. Therapists should develop safety plans with DVSHCY to help them manage their risk of violence or sexual offending.
Long-term follow-up. Therapists should provide long-term follow-up care for DVSHCY to help them sustain their progress and reduce their risk of reoffending.

Therapeutic work with DVSHCY is challenging but rewarding. Therapists who work with this population can make a real difference in their lives and in their communities. By following the practical guidance outlined in this article, therapists can provide effective and compassionate care to DVSHCY.

From Trauma to Harming Others: Therapeutic Work with Delinquent, Violent and Sexually Harmful Children and Young People

by Graham Music

5 out of 5