Understanding Complex Trauma & Identity Formation in System-Involved Youth

Nola Brantley

Training Description

System-involved youth frequently experience chronic adversity, disrupted attachments, and systemic instability that significantly impact identity development. This training examines the intersection of complex trauma, neurodevelopment, culture, race, gender identity, and placement experiences in shaping youths’ evolving sense of self. Participants will learn practical assessment strategies, trauma-informed engagement techniques, and identity-affirming practices that can be applied across child welfare, juvenile justice, education, and behavioral health settings. The training emphasizes measurable skill-building to enhance safety, stability, permanency, and positive system-involved youth development outcomes.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Identify at least 3 core characteristics of complex trauma and 2 distinct impacts on identity formation among system-involved youth using case-based analysis.