Now.See.Hear!: A Visual Conversation Tool for Trauma-Informed Practice with Justice-Involved Youth

Abstract

This article introduces Now.See.Hear!(NSH!), an innovative visual conversation tool for trauma-informed practice with justice-involved youth. Developed through a collaborative process involving practitioners, researchers, and young people, NSH! addresses gaps in existing trauma assessment tools by providing a developmentally appropriate, engaging method for understanding young people's experiences that prioritises cultural safety. The tool comprises photo cards, conversation prompts, and a reflective conversation map. Initial testing with 235 culturally diverse participants across various settings indicates high acceptability and potential utility in youth justice contexts. Now.See.Hear! offers a promising approach for enhancing trauma-informed practice and improving engagement with justice-involved youth. IMPLICATIONS Now.See.Hear! provides social workers with a practical, engaging tool for trauma-informed assessment and intervention with justice-involved youth. The tool's visual and narrative approach may enhance engagement and disclosure, particularly for young people who struggle with traditional verbal assessments. Now.See.Hear!’s design promotes culturally safe practice, making it particularly valuable for working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.