Trauma has unfortunately become an all-too familiar occurrence in the lives of children, with a majority of youth experiencing a traumatic event before the age of 18. With the rise of school shootings and recent March for Our Lives, this timely book will address intervention strategies for social workers and counselors to combat this negative phenomenon. Urban Youth Trauma focuses on urban violence and guns, while due attention is also paid to other forms of trauma in order to ground violence-related trauma within the constellation of multiple forms of trauma. Violence, and more specifically that related to guns, is very much associated with urban centers and youth of color. Divided into three parts, this volume traces the roots of urban youth trauma. Parts I and II provide context and foundation for the problem and intervention strategies. Part III takes the reader through a variety of intervention strategies directly related to the community’s assets. The strength of Urban Youth Trauma’s lies in its focus on the community itself as the key to survival, resilience, and change.

It's easy to look down at urban communities and wonder why economic and social disparities still exist when so many people of color, despite facing severe adversity, have done better. They have broken the "cycle."

Urban violence, poverty, and racial injustice are ongoing sources of traumatic stress that affect the physical, emotional and cognitive development and well-being of millions of children each year. Growing attention is therefore directed toward the study of child trauma and incorporation of trauma-sensitive practices within schools. Currently such practices focus on social and emotional learning for all children, with some in-school therapeutic approaches, and outside referrals for serious trauma. There is inadequate attention to racial injustice as an adverse childhood experience (ACE) confronting Black males among other youth of color. Although there are guidelines for trauma-sensitive approaches, few are culturally responsive. And it is now critical that educators consider the traumatic impacts of a dual pandemic (covid-19 and racism) on children and their education. This timely book thus serves to inform and inspire transformative healing and empowerment among traumatized children and youth in pandemic/post-pandemic school and after-school settings. The reader will learn about trauma through actual experiences. Researchers and practitioners present approaches to healing that can be adapted to local situations and settings. The book consists of four parts: Youth Voices on Traumatic Experience; Trauma-focused Research; Culturally Responsive and Trauma Sensitive Practices; and Where do we go from Here? Suggestions for Next Steps. Each part contains a set of themed chapters and closes with a youth- authored poetic expression. The book is especially designed for those working in urban education. However, anyone whose work is related to traumatized children and youth will find the book informative, especially in a post-pandemic educational environment.

"Addressing the social problems associated with trauma and mental health amongst African Americans in urban environments, this book uses an African-centered lens to critique the most common practice models and interventions currently employed by social workers in the field. Divided into 4 parts and grounded in traditional African cultural values, it argues that basic key values in a new clinical model for mental health diagnosis are: A spiritual component; Collective/group approach; Focus on Wholeness; Oneness with Nature; Emphasis on truth, justice; balance, harmony, reciprocity, righteousness, and order. Being free from racism, sexism, classism and other forms of oppression, this African-centered approach is crucial for working with people of African origin who experience daily 'trauma' through adverse living conditions. This book will be key reading on any practice and direct service course at both BSW and MSW level and will be a useful supplement on clinical courses as well as those aimed at working with diverse populations and those living in urban environments"--

How can we understand the educational disengagement of urban, working-class young people? What role do schools and education policies play in these young people’s difficult relationships with education? How might schools help to support and engage urban youth? This book critically engages with contemporary notions of 'at risk' youth. It explores the complexity of urban young people's relationships with education and schooling and discusses strategies for addressing these issues. Drawing on a two year study of urban 14-16 year olds, educational professionals and parents, the book focuses in depth on the views and experiences of ethnically diverse young Londoners who had been identified by their schools as 'at risk of dropping out of education' and as 'unlikely to progress into post-16 education'. It provides an informative and accessible overview of the key issues, debates and theoretical frameworks. It is important reading for school leaders, teachers and learning support assistants as well as trainee teachers and educational researchers.

How can we understand the educational disengagement of urban, working-class young people? What role do schools and education policies play in these young people’s difficult relationships with education? How might schools help to support and engage urban youth? This book critically engages with contemporary notions of 'at risk' youth. It explores the complexity of urban young people's relationships with education and schooling and discusses strategies for addressing these issues. Drawing on a two year study of urban 14-16 year olds, educational professionals and parents, the book focuses in depth on the views and experiences of ethnically diverse young Londoners who had been identified by their schools as 'at risk of dropping out of education' and as 'unlikely to progress into post-16 education'. It provides an informative and accessible overview of the key issues, debates and theoretical frameworks. It is important reading for school leaders, teachers and learning support assistants as well as trainee teachers and educational researchers.