Training on brain injury for juvenile justice professionals: Findings from pre- and post-training surveys and focus groups

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52935/23.1893.8

Keywords:

training, brain injury, justice, probation, youth

Abstract

Despite the need for improved knowledge and skill, little peer-reviewed research evidence exists to support the design, implementation, and effectiveness of brain injury training specifically in the justice system. The present study sought to build upon the findings from Riccardi et al. (2022) to design, conduct, and evaluate a pilot training on brain injury for juvenile justice professionals. Juvenile court professionals completed pre- and post-training focus group interviews (n = 5) and surveys (N = 28). Focus group participants’ responses were grouped into various themes related to perspectives on brain injury and training preferences, including current challenges, content needs, methods desired, most helpful content and methods, professional changes since training, and suggested modifications to the training. Average knowledge and confidence scores improved significantly from pre- to post- training with large effect sizes. The preliminary findings of this research study may be used to support change in training practices and administrative procedures, as well as support the need for continued research in brain injury in JIYs.

Author Biographies

  • Jessica Riccardi, University of Maine

    Jessica Salley Riccardi, PhD CCC-SLP

    Jessica Salley Riccardi, PhD CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor and the director of the Brain injury, Education, and Rehabilitation (BEaR) Lab. Her research interests include long-term outcomes for children with brain injury, particularly in the area of cognitive-communication and for high-risk groups. As a speech-language pathologist, her research aims to inform multidisciplinary practices and policies for individuals who experienced a brain injury during childhood. During her doctoral training, Dr. Riccardi was an American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation New Century Doctoral Scholar. She is passionate about mentoring students to be exceptional clinicians and researchers. Her recent publications include: “Preliminary findings on TBI knowledge of professionals working with justice-involved youth” in Applied Neuropsychology: Child (2022) and “An exploratory study on disparities in service provision and long-term need after early childhood acquired brain injury” in the American Journal of Speech Language Pathology (2022).

  • Angela Hein Ciccia, Case Western Reserve University

    Angela Hein Ciccia, PhD CCC-SLP

    Angela Hein Ciccia, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is an associate professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences. Dr. Ciccia’s research focuses on factors that impact childrens’ ability to recover/develop in the presence of a diagnosis of an acquired (i.e., new onset) and/or developmental neurogenic communication disorder. Dr. Ciccia is also interested in the use of novel service delivery models (including telemedicine) to enhance access to rehabilitation/support services for these children. Her recent publications include: “Factors that influence follow-up care for families of children with acquired brain injury: a scoping review” in Brain Injury (2022) and “Factors impacting educational outcomes for students with traumatic brain injury in BrainSTEPS” in the International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology (2022).

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Published

03/12/2026

How to Cite

Training on brain injury for juvenile justice professionals: Findings from pre- and post-training surveys and focus groups. (2026). Journal of Applied Juvenile Justice Services, 37(1), 36-51. https://doi.org/10.52935/23.1893.8

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