TASC President and CEO Joel K. Johnson examines how youth deflection can connect young people experiencing trauma or behavioral health challenges with clinical care and community-based support in a new article published by Behavioral Health News.
In “From Juvenile Hall to Clinical Care: De-escalating Youth Trauma Through Deflection Pathways”, Johnson explores the role of deflection in addressing young people’s needs before situations escalate into deeper involvement with the juvenile legal system. By connecting youth to appropriate services and support, communities can respond to crises in ways that prioritize health, safety, and long-term well-being.
This approach reflects the importance of collaboration across behavioral health, community services, and the systems that interact with young people, creating opportunities to address underlying needs rather than relying solely on punitive responses.
Read the full article here: From Juvenile Hall to Clinical Care: De-escalating Youth Trauma Through Deflection Pathways
