Trauma-informed, healing-centered approaches
Trauma-informed, healing-centered approaches
Child protection agencies have come to recognize the adverse effects of trauma and the critical importance of trauma-informed, healing-centered support for children and families. Additionally, the processes of investigation, removal, and placement — routine interventions and functions of any child protection agency — are increasingly being recognized as traumatic events in and of themselves. As a result, there is a need for child protection agencies to become intentionally trauma-informed in their approaches.
Child welfare leaders must also work alongside other systems committed to child and family well-being to build robust, trauma-informed support at the individual, family, and community levels. This means adopting a cross-agency approach focused on healing and resiliency that acknowledges the multigenerational effects of historical and racial trauma. A robust, trauma-informed child and family well-being system includes a broad array of traditional and non-traditional services. Access to culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate, and individualized services can reduce the need for child protection agency intervention. Through high-quality services and the support of trauma-sensitive professionals, peer supports, and other caring adults, the effects of trauma can be reversed.
FEATURED RESOURCES
What are key principles child protection agencies should follow when providing trauma treatment and healing-centered services?
How are child protection agencies implementing trauma-informed, healing-centered policies and practices?
How do investigation, removal and placement cause trauma for children?
Please explore the related resources below and at Questions from the field to learn more about trauma-informed care.