This conference served as a unique opportunity for cross-sectoral discussions on understanding how adolescents are affected by adversity, violence and traumatic experiences, and how best to approach recovery, response, and reintegration. The conference was instrumental in shedding light on the scientific evidence surrounding trauma, neuroscience and adolescents’ development and how to best integrate this knowledge into policy and practice.
Insights shared by experts, practitioners and policymakers helped underscore the importance of adopting a rights-based approach to address the multifaceted issues adolescents encounter when dealing with adversity and violence. By drawing upon the latest findings from neuroscientific research when formulating policy and intervention strategies, discussions underscored that it is possible to better support the prevention, recovery and reintegration processes of adolescents.
Going forward, it is imperative that scientific evidence is drawn upon, whilst also ensuring that the lived experiences of adolescents themselves are included when designing policies and interventions. Moreover, when advocating for policy reforms and implementing evidence-based practices, it is vital that this is done using an inter- and cross-sectoral approach. Indeed, collaborating across the health, education, social welfare, child protection and justice systems is pivotal to creating more inclusive and supportive environments that prioritise the wellbeing and development of all adolescents, irrespective of their circumstances.
Moa Schafer and Alessandra Guedes
Wilton Park | June 2024
In partnership with
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Notes
Wilton Park reports are brief summaries of the main points and conclusions of a
conference. The reports reflect rapporteurs’ personal interpretations of the proceedings.
As such they do not constitute any institutional policy of Wilton Park nor do they
necessarily represent the views of the rapporteur. Wilton Park reports and any
recommendations contained therein are for participants and are not a statement of policy
for Wilton Park, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) or His
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