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A statewide introduction of trauma-informed care in a child welfare system
- Authors:
- KRAMER Teresa L., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Children and Youth Services Review, 35(1), 2013, pp.19-24.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Most children in the care of the child welfare system have been exposed to multiple traumas in addition to the stressor of being removed from their home. Because the risk for mental health problems following exposure to trauma is high, a critical need exists to introduce trauma-informed practices into the child welfare system. The purpose of this study is to evaluate initial stages of a trauma-informed training program for the Arkansas Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS). In Phase 1, 102 (75%) of DCFS area directors and supervisors participated in 10 regional, two-day workshops modeled after the National Child and Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) trauma-informed training for child welfare. Pre- and post-training evaluations demonstrated significant improvements in participants' knowledge of trauma-informed practices. A three-month follow-up with directors and supervisors indicated that use of trauma-informed practices increased significantly and that such changes were correlated with pre- versus post-training improvement in knowledge. Most participants were able to partially implement action steps established at the time of training; however, a number of barriers were cited as preventing full implementation, including time constraints, heavy caseloads, lack of staff, and limited resources. Results are discussed in light of plans under way for Phase II training for all DCFS front-line staff. (Publisher abstract)
Trauma-informed care training in a child welfare system: moving it to the front line
- Authors:
- CONNERS-BURROW Nicola A., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Children and Youth Services Review, 35(11), 2013, pp.1830-1835.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
The use of trauma-informed practices in the child welfare system is critically important to prevent system-induced trauma and encourage timely assessment, triage and referral for care when indicated. Ultimately, such measures have the potential over time to decrease the risk for mental health problems in children exposed to a trauma. This study evaluates an initiative in Arkansas to train child welfare front-line staff members in trauma-informed care practices. The impact of the training on knowledge and use of trauma-informed care practices among three types of child welfare staff (caseworkers, program assistants and other front-line staff) was evaluated. Results suggest that this training process was highly successful in improving knowledge of trauma-informed care practices, especially among staff with the least formal education and training. A significant increase in staff use of trauma-informed care practices at the three-month follow-up was also found. Barriers that may prevent staff from full implementation of training concepts are described and strategies to address barriers are proposed. (Edited publisher abstract)
Social work with children
- Authors:
- JACK Gordon, DONNELLAN Helen
- Publisher:
- Palgrave Macmillan
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 256
- Place of publication:
- Basingstoke
When working with children to promote their welfare and safeguard them from harm, the best course of action is not always clear. This guide to social work with children is for students and practitioners in the field, and is based on two of the most important organising frameworks: human ecology and child development. Divided into two parts, the book explores interactions between children's development, their relationships and the environments in which they are brought up. Part 1 covers child development to adolescence. Part 2 has chapters on working with children in need and their families; working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children; working with children looked after away from home, placed for adoption, or leaving care; working with disabled children and their families; working with young offenders; and working with children with mental health problems. The book demonstrates how up-to-date legislation and policy across the UK shapes practice with different groups of children. It considers the expectations and requirements of social workers, and how this influences the development of professional identity. It encourages readers to reflect on their own skills, knowledge and experience by providing practice pointers throughout. (Edited publisher abstract)
Disclosure of child sexual abuse among adult male survivors
- Author:
- EASTON Scott D.
- Journal article citation:
- Clinical Social Work Journal, 41(4), 2013, pp.344-355.
- Publisher:
- Springer
- Place of publication:
- New York
Men who were sexually abused during childhood are a stigmatised, under-studied, and marginalised population that is at risk for long-term mental health problems. However, many mental health practitioners feel under-prepared and ill-equipped to effectively treat male survivors of child sexual abuse. Furthermore, little is known about factors that may impact the mental health of male survivors such as disclosure of the sexual abuse. The purpose of this study was to (a) describe the disclosure process of male survivors using a lifespan approach, (b) identify disclosure differences based on age and type of abuser, and (c) explore relationships between disclosure attributes and current mental health. Using a large, purposive sample of male survivors (N = 487), the study found that, on average, men delayed telling (M = 21.38 years) and discussing the abuse (M = 28.23 years) for many years. Older age and being abused by a family member (i.e., incest) were both related to delays in disclosure. Most participants who told someone during childhood did not receive emotionally supportive or protective responses and the helpfulness of responses across the lifespan was mixed. Several variables (e.g., timing of disclosure, discussing with a spouse, response to disclosure) were related to current mental health problems. These findings are helpful for clinical social workers who practice with clients from this population. Specific suggestions for improving clinical practice (e.g., assessment, treatment, professional training) are discussed. (Publisher abstract)