This book offers an integrated training and coaching system to facilitate change in systems that serve youth (education, healthcare, and juvenile justice). The integrated training and coaching system combines brain development, cultural responsivity, and trauma-informed practices. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the neurobiology of fear, brain development, trauma, substance use, and mental health, structural bias and environmental factors that pose a threat to healthy brain development. The book employs practical applications/recommendations and case examples that help solidify understanding of key concepts. Each chapter begins with a set of objectives and interactive exercises that builds on the next, thoughtfully challenging the reader (and giving specific, practical ways for the reader) to apply the information presented with the goal of "change". The text is written from the perspective of a trauma-informed addiction psychiatrist who has effectively facilitated systems change. Topics featured in this book include: Common threats to healthy brain development. The neurobiology of trauma. Applying trauma-informed practices and approaches. Cannabis and its impact on the brain. Labeling theory and implicit bias. Exploring the connection between fear and trauma. Rehabilitation versus habilitation. Managing stress through mindfulness. Training for Change will be of interest to graduate and advanced undergraduate students and researchers in the fields of cognitive psychology, criminology, public health, and child and adolescent development as well as parents, teachers, judges, attorneys, preventative medicine and pediatric providers.

This book provides in-depth analysis of the historical, philosophical, anthropological, political and neurobiological reinforcements of fear and the role of fear-on-fear interactions in the construction and maintenance of systems. This text will help systems appreciate the profound, pervasive and deleterious role fear has played in the establishment of laws, policies and practices, and explore what systems can do to reduce fear and prioritize safety and healing. Right now we are dealing with hard truths: human suffering runs deep and is universal; trauma is ubiquitous and widespread; racism is real and has profound psychological, physical, political, social and economic implications; and the world is hurting and needs healing. Many are curious about where and when healing will commence, who will facilitate it and what it will look and feel like. Healing comes in this order: safety, truth and then reconciliation. When we know better, we can (or should) certainly do better. This book offers a framework for how to effectively begin to deconstruct systemic fear, prioritize safety, reduce needless suffering and move toward optimal healing and sustained change.