Children and families become known to the child welfare system because of suspected abuse or neglect. Experiences which — in combination with domestic violence, community violence, poverty, and other stressors — can result in traumatic stress reactions and/or the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Given the prevalence of trauma and traumatic stress reactions among child welfare system-involved children, families, caregivers, professionals, and other stakeholders, it is critical that child welfare professionals link families with trauma-informed treatment and services, and integrate an understanding of trauma into their own practice.

The following represent the Essential Elements of a Trauma-Informed Child Welfare System:

Essential Elements of a Trauma-Informed Child Welfare System