Neuroeducation for JJ Professionals

Most professionals working with JJ-involved youth have little understanding of how neuroscience and brain development can shape effective strategies for treatment. This gap in knowledge can lead to misconceptions about adolescent behavior, compromising the effectiveness of their approaches. There is also a gap in the connection between scientific research and practical application within the JJ system. This gap often results in the use of cookie-cutter programs that rarely address individual drivers of problem behavior. Enhancing the knowledge of JJ professionals about brain development promises to foster more informed and effective approaches to JJ-involved youth by equipping professionals with better understanding of root causes and drivers of problem behaviors and helping to determine more effective treatment plans. The program proposed here bridges this gap begins by developing a manual for JJ professionals about how brain science can be useful in addressing the needs of youth in the system.