Challenges in Trauma-Informed Practice for Children in Police Custody
A new study from the Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice (CYCJ) reveals important gaps in implementing trauma-informed practice within police custody settings for children.
A disconnect between policy and practice
Authored by Dr Nina Vaswani, Kristina Moodie, and Donna McEwan and based on interviews with children who have experienced police detention, the research highlights a troubling gap between policy commitments and the realities children face. Children in the justice system are often among society’s most vulnerable. The study finds that police custody often exacerbates their trauma, with many experiencing fear and anxiety during detention. Despite Police Scotland’s initiatives to adopt trauma-informed practice, many children endure distressing and harmful situations while in custody. Practices encountered in custody frequently fall short of trauma-informed principles such as safety, choice, and empowerment.
Barriers to trauma-informed policing
The study highlights broader challenges in embedding trauma-informed approaches within justice settings which, by its very nature, adopt adversarial practices such as interrogation, blame, punishment and retribution. Although Police Scotland has introduced trauma training, its benefits are not consistently realised, particularly for those accused of crimes. Across policing more broadly, older children, children who have harmed others, or those who are seen as ‘streetwise’ are often viewed as less vulnerable, with implications for the support they receive.
Moving towards ‘trauma-aware’ policing
While acknowledging Police Scotland’s commitment to improve practice and reduce the number of children in custody, the researchers argue that the term ‘trauma-informed’ may be misleading. They suggest that ‘trauma-aware’ more accurately reflects current policing practices. The research concludes that significant organisational reflection is needed to bridge the gap between policy and practice. It calls for a multi-agency approach to safeguard children and reduce their exposure to harmful custodial environments. Current initiatives to implement alternative Places of Safety for children in conflict with the law should be expedited to reduce further harm.
Can you help us develop trauma-informed justice?
CYCJ recognises the real challenges and complexities of implementing trauma-informed practices in justice settings. Together with the Rights Respecting Group, CYCJ is compiling national and international case studies in order to support more effective trauma-informed policies and practices in justice settings.
If you have examples of positive practice to share or wish to discuss challenges related to trauma-informed practices, please contact Dr Nina Vaswani.