A journey towards a trauma informed and responsive Justice system: the perspectives and experiences of senior Justice workers.

Abstract

Objectives: There is a risk of re-traumatisation for survivors of trauma who engage with the Justice system, given their high propensity to encounter situations that trigger traumatic responses. While a growing body of research has explored the experience of trauma informed practice (TIP) from service user perspectives, little research has incorporated the views and experiences of practitioners working in the Justice system in terms of the implementation of TIP in their service setting.Method: An exploratory, qualitative research design based on semi-structured, in-depth interviews. One to one, online interviews were conducted with senior Justice workers (n = 22) who had undertaken theoretically informed TIP training and had responsibility for its implementation. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using an inductive, reflexive thematic approach.Results: The themes identified were: (1) Supporting staff and user knowledge and well-being (training, trust, safety, reflection), (2) Recognition in the value of TIP (reflected in the resources, supervision, infrastructure and physical environment), (3) Encouraging flexible, creative and collaborative ways of working (overcoming resistance).Conclusions: The findings have implications at the service user, provider and organisational level. Emphasis is placed on the importance of overcoming barriers to implementing TIP through adopting a whole systems approach that encourages collaborative working while supporting staff well-being, access to ongoing TIP training, supervision and resources to establish a safe working environment. Implementing a strengths-based, non-pathologising approach to TIP service delivery within the Justice system is essential. Further longitudinal work to explore the mechanisms by which TIP can help reduce re-traumatisation to service users and providers is recommended.