December 30, 2022

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.