Building a Gold Standard Trauma-Informed Youth Justice System: Awareness, Assessment, and Case Planning
Episode Description
In this episode, Executive Director John Tuell speaks with Dr. Keith Cruise, Professor and Director of Clinical Training at Fordham University, about groundbreaking projects at the Center for Trauma Recovery and Juvenile Justice. They discuss the importance of trauma awareness, screening for active trauma symptoms, and how early identification helps address the unique needs of youth in the justice system. Dr. Cruise highlights trauma-specific treatment models, workforce development efforts, and strategies for integrating trauma-informed approaches into system-level practices. Featuring transformational work in Nebraska, this episode offers practical insights for creating more effective and compassionate youth justice systems.
SEASON THREE: Episode Four | RELEASE DATE: December 27, 2024
About the Guest
Keith Cruise, PhD
Professor and Director of Clinical Training, Department of Psychology | Fordham University | Bronx, New York & Director, Behavioral Health Screening Services | National Youth Screening and Assessment Partners (NYSAP)
Keith Cruise is Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychology at Fordham University. Dr. Cruise is also the Co-Director of the Center for Trauma Recovery and Juvenile Justice (CTRJJ), a NCTSN Category II training and technical assistance center focused on enhancing a framework of trauma-informed care for youth and families experiencing justice system involvement. He is also the Director of Behavioral Health Screening Services for the National Youth Screening and Assessment Partners (NYSAP). He holds a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of North Texas and a Masters of Legal Studies degree from the University of Nebraska. Dr. Cruise conducts research on the clinical-forensic assessment of adolescents within the juvenile justice system and has received grant funding (NIJ, OJJDP, SAMHSA) to examine the effectiveness of enhanced mental health screening for poly-victimization, trauma-informed case planning, and the impact of trauma screening on service delivery and legal outcomes for justice-involved youth. Dr. Cruise provides technical assistance and consultation to local and state juvenile justice systems on behavioral health screening, evidence-based use of risk/needs assessments, trauma treatment implementation, and collaborative, system-level coordination to enhance trauma informed care. His overarching focus is adopting, implementing, and sustaining evidence-based practices in juvenile justice systems that increase access to appropriate services, enhance adolescent and family functioning, and capitalize on strengths to support recovery while also maintaining community safety.