ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the inception of Defending Childhood Initiative (DCI) and Department activities related to assembling the evidence, advancing practice, informing policy, and building knowledge. The Initiative has underscored the importance of justice professionals working closely with those in other fields, such as education, social services and health, to integrate trauma-informed strategies and responses into broader efforts to reduce crime and violence and create safer communities. DCI began with the essential steps of recognizing and prioritizing Children Exposed to Violence. To advance trauma-informed policy changes in the many disparate agencies and organizations that touch the lives of children, both inside and outside the justice system, Department of Justice professionals (DOJ) created two task forces through DCI. DCI benefitted greatly by leadership from the top. Attorney General Holder led the way for a host of other dedicated DOJ who contributed their knowledge and expertise in countless ways to make DCI possible.
