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The Truth N’ Trauma Project: Addressing Community Violence Through a Youth-Led, Trauma-Informed and Restorative Framework

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Abstract

This paper describes the implementation and evaluation of a youth violence prevention and intervention program on Chicago’s south side. Forty-four high school-age youth from violence-exposed urban communities participated in a nine-month, multidisciplinary, after-school program aimed at supporting their development and positively impacting their communities. Restorative practice principles informed planning, implementation, and evaluation of the program. The youth developed skills in leadership, trauma-informed practice, documentary production, theatre, and participatory action research. This paper discusses the program, an initial evaluation of its impact, and potential practice and research implications.

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Correspondence to Thomas Kenemore.

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Harden, T., Kenemore, T., Mann, K. et al. The Truth N’ Trauma Project: Addressing Community Violence Through a Youth-Led, Trauma-Informed and Restorative Framework. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 32, 65–79 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-014-0366-0

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