Adverse childhood experiences among clients of juvenile detention centres: Research in Czech Republic

Abstract

The issue of educational work with trauma in juvenile detention centres (JDC) is a less explored area in the Czech Republic, even though the literature points to a higher incidence of trauma among children at risk in this target group. The aim of our research was to determine the extent of adverse childhood experiences among young people in detention centres in the Czech Republic. A quantitative research strategy was applied in the research. The results show that more than 90% of the surveyed adolescents living in JDC had more than one adverse childhood experience (captured in the ACE-Q). In light of the findings, it seems important to pay attention to traumatic experience of youth in JDC and to design comprehensive holistic interventions based on the individual needs of the at-risk youth with traumatic experiences.