Youth Development and Trauma Division of Juvenile Justice

Brain Development Exercise (size of adult brain)

Brain Development The brain plays a part in all that we do. Brain develops from the inside out Physical (first to develop) responsible for life functions such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure Emotional development (feelings such as anger, happy, sad) Cognitive development is the thinking part of the brain such as planning, reasoning, consequences, impulsivity

Brain Development Early childhood is crucial to how the brain develops Experiences as a child impact how our brains develop. When kids feel safe and calm, they are able to learn without distractions Talking Walking Play Attachment Social/emotional

Brain Development Both positive and negative experiences cause changes in the brain Both positive and negative experiences can have a powerful impact on the brain The brain strengthens connections through repetition and practice Even as adults, brains are capable of learning and changing

Adolescent Brain Development Adolescence is like giving a teenager a snow machine with : A new engine with a lot of horsepower (physical growth) A sensitive throttle that can go from 0 to80 in a few seconds (emotions) And poor brakes with no repair parts due to come in for years (thinking)

Cognitive Development Prefrontal lobe: Science now knows that the prefrontal lobe is developing and maturing up through the mid-20’s. Decision making Thinking and planning ahead Analyze risks and rewards

Cognitive Development Remember your teenage years: Did you ever do anything that could have involved the police or Village Police Officer (VPO) What has changed in your thinking and behaviors since being a teenager: Self-control Ability to consider short-term and long-term consequences Susceptibility to peer pressure

What Happens to a Teenager When… They have a mental health or behavioral problems They have experienced trauma

Trauma Traumatic experiences are based on the individual views the situation or event and can include: Abuse: physical, emotional, sexual Neglect Being victimized Domestic Violence Violence in the community/village Accident/illness Witnessing suicide or suicide attempt School shooting Not everyone who has an adverse experience is traumatized

Trauma Changes the Developing Brain

Trauma When we are in danger our brain has a natural alarm system alerting us to seek safety Trauma can cause the alarm system in our brain to go off too easily or to shut down

Responding to Trauma Fight Flight Dissociation Freezing (emotionally shut down) Self-harm To block out emotional pain To start feeling again as too numb

Symptoms of Trauma Symptoms of trauma can include: Nightmares Flashbacks “Fight or flight” Disassociation Self-harm (cutting, burning, head banging) Anxious, unable to calm down Overreact to normal situations Always assuming someone may be angry, hurtful (if the person is not smiling then something must be wrong) Feel like walking on egg shells (always on alert) Problems paying attention Aggression towards others

Long-Term Impact of Trauma Long-term impact of trauma can increase an individual’s risk for: Mental health or behavior problem Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Depression Isolation/Withdrawal Sleep problems Substance abuse Alcohol, drugs and tobacco can harm the teenage brain Teenagers with trauma are higher risk to become addicts than adults Physical health problems (bedwetting, stomach aches, headaches) Problems in school (learning difficulties)

Recovering from Trauma What adults can do: Must create safety (from a trauma perspective, individuals act out when they feel unsafe) Providing structure and consistency can help create a sense of safety Setting limits can increase a sense of safety but set limits appropriately No violence No yelling Provide support—anyone can do this Ask the person what they are most worried about Listen Be available

Recovering from Trauma What adults can do: Teach calming skills, coping skills, problem-solving skills Learn to recognize physical signs of distress Teach relaxation/meditation (drumming, deep breathing, fishing, berry picking) Help them find ways to express their feelings (verbally, writing, art, story telling, singing, dance) Encourage physical activity/sports

Recovering from Trauma What adults can do: Teach calming skills, coping skills, problem-solving skills Learn to recognize physical signs of distress Teach relaxation/meditation (drumming, deep breathing, fishing, berry picking) Help them find ways to express their feelings (verbally, writing, art, story telling, singing, dance) Encourage physical activity/sports

Recovering from Trauma What adults can do: Build on strengths which can include developing spiritual beliefs and cultural identity Break the cycle Remember there is always hope