Trauma-Informed Custody Policy and Family Interventions for Adolescent Mental Health: A Systematic Review

Adolescents affected by parental divorce face increased risks of mental health challenges, often exacerbated by custody disputes, post-separation abuse, and institutional inadequacies. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of trauma-informed, family-based interventions and custody-related policy reforms that promote adolescent mental health, with a focus on the integration of the Islamic principle of maslahah as an ethical framework. A systematic review was conducted using three databases (ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus) covering publications from 2000 to 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on empirical studies addressing interventions, custody policies, and mental health outcomes in adolescents aged 10–21. Findings reveal that Treatment Foster Care Oregon (TFCO) reduces behavioral issues and improves emotional regulation; Multisystemic Therapy and Wraparound Services prevent custody relinquishment and support family cohesion. Legislative reforms like the Family First Prevention Services Act have shown promise in redirecting funding toward prevention, yet face significant implementation disparities. Reports of healthcare obstruction and court-induced trauma remain critical threats to adolescent well-being. The review also found that custody loss, particularly among adolescent parents, correlates with increased substance use and long-term psychosocial instability. The integration of maslahah into legal and mental health frameworks provides a culturally grounded approach to trauma-informed reform. These findings emphasize the need for cross-sectoral collaboration, standardized trauma protocols, and culturally responsive service models. This study advances a holistic understanding of adolescent welfare in custody contexts and identifies pathways for ethical and sustainable reform.