What Are the Implications of Adolescent Brain Development for Juvenile Justice?
May 4 - 7, 2006
National experts presented important, promising developments in the areas of adolescent brain development research and recent applications of such research in juvenile justice decision-making and practice. Participants explored the implications for policy, practice and programs in juvenile justice.
Handouts and Conference Information:
The Brain 101
Pre-Conference Training: May 4, 2006
Presented by Nathan A. Fox, Ph.D., Institute of Child Study, Department of Human Development, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
This session provided an overview of neuroanatomy and brain development, focusing on the effects of early experience. Dr. Fox provided basic facts about the brain, how it works, and the effects that stress and toxins have on brain development.
Please click here to view the conference slides.
An Overview of the Science of Brain Development
Opening General Session: May 5, 2006
Presented by Rebecca McNamee, Ph.D., Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
This presentation provided a summary of neuroimaging advances and emphasized how advances such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging have increased knowledge of neurological development, focusing on adolescence.
Please click here to view the conference slides.
The Unique Needs of Adolescents: Observations and Recommendations
Luncheon Session: May 5, 2006
Presented by Marilyn Benoit, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
Dr. Benoit explained the developmental needs of teens and young adults, particularly those who suffer with illnesses that go undiagnosed and untreated. She focused primarily on developmental differences — cognitive, emotional and spiritual — for adolescents as compared with adults, and highlighted specific vulnerabilities of youth with behavioral health needs. The presentation included recommendations for ways that adolescent development can and should inform practice and policy in the arena of juvenile justice and delinquency prevention.
Please click here to view the first set of conference slides.
Please click here to view the second set of conference slides.
Applying Developmental Concepts in Juvenile Justice
Session: May 6, 2006
Presented by Jeffery Butts, Ph.D., University of Chicago, Chapin Hall Center for Children, Chicago, IL
This workshop reviewed the growing evidence which suggests that youth with access to supportive resources and positive relationships are less likely to experience school failure, substance abuse and delinquency. Dr. Butts explored the use of developmental evidence and youth assets to design juvenile justice systems and described exactly which assets should be the focus of juvenile justice.
Please click here to view the conference slides.
Trauma and Adolescents: What Are the Effects and What Helps Them Recover?
Session: May 6, 2006
Presented by Jennifer Wilgocki, M.A., Mental Health Center of Dane County, Madison, WI
Adolescents who experienced traumatic events often face myriad challenges. This workshop provided an overview of the issues related to adolescent trauma, including the behavioral and neurobiological effects of trauma.
Please click here to view the conference slides.
