Trauma-informed practice emerged from extensive research on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the evidence-based link between experiencing traumatic events in childhood and later involvement in crime and violence.
Research by Maynard et al (2019) shows that trauma can impact social, emotional, physical, neurological, and behavioural development, and as such, is related to outcomes such as substance abuse, behaviour problems in schools, academic performance, emotional regulation difficulties, and mental health problems.
The same research found that in responding to trauma-induced negative behaviours in a way that acknowledges trauma and its impact, a system can help to reduce this negative behaviour and prevent later crime and violence. It recognises that standard interventions can re-traumatise a young person and lead to further behavioural issues. For example, if a child or young person has experienced physical abuse in the home and is then subjected to physical restraints in a secure setting, re-traumatisation may occur. This creates a cycle and the behavioural response to trauma is never addressed and may worsen.
Trauma-informed approaches have been used with young offenders for some time and have been shown to sometimes improve behaviour and help individuals engage with rehabilitation. However, trauma-informed care and TIP is now being widely used across care and health services supporting vulnerable children, young people and families of all ages.
CYP Now’s special report on trauma-informed services summarises the key policy drivers shaping trauma-based practice and interventions, assesses latest research on the impact that trauma-informed approaches are having, and highlights examples of innovative practice across agencies working with vulnerable children and families.
Click the links below to read more in CYP Now's Trauma-Informed Services Special Report:
Practice examples:
