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

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What are key principles child protection agencies should follow when providing trauma treatment and healing-centered services?

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How are child protection agencies implementing trauma-informed, healing-centered policies and practices?

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How do investigation, removal and placement cause trauma for children?

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Please explore the related resources below and at Questions from the field to learn more about trauma-informed care.