Resources on Trauma-Informed Care for Caseworkers

The following resources equip caseworkers with practical tools and strategies for working with traumatized children, youth, and families.

Developing a Trauma-Informed Child Welfare System
Series Title Issue Briefs
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
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Year Published 2015
Discusses the steps that may be necessary to create a child welfare system that is more sensitive and responsive to trauma. Every child welfare system is different, and each State or county child welfare system will need to conduct its own systematic process of assessment and planning, in collaboration with key partners, to determine the best approach.

Five Ways Trauma-Informed Care Supports Children’s Development
Child Trends
Highlights five ways trauma-informed care (TIC), which encompasses a variety of approaches to working with children exposed to traumatic events, supports children's healthy development.

Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Provides two learning modules to help participants understand, recognize, and prevent adverse childhood experiences (ACES). This training is available to anyone interested in learning more about ACES regardless of profession or educational attainment. 

Promoting Protective Factors for Victims of Child Abuse and Neglect: A Guide for Practitioners
Series Title Factsheets
Author(s)
Development Services Group, Inc.; Child Welfare Information Gateway
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Year Published 2015
Presents information from a review of current research on specific protective factors that carry moderate or strong association with improved well-being for victims of child abuse and neglect. Topics include individual skills and capacities that can improve the well-being of children who have been abused or neglected; how parents, guardians, friends, and other adults can contribute to the well-being of these children and youth; strategies for practitioners; and resources for more information. This publication is part of a series of five factsheets for practitioners exploring the importance of protective factors in working with in-risk populations served by the Administration on Children, Youth and Families.

Trauma-informed Care Tip Sheets
Safe Start Center
Provides a list of trauma-informed care tip sheets for various agencies and professionals working with children who have been exposed to violence.

Understanding the Effects of Maltreatment on Brain Development
Series Title Issue Briefs
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
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Year Published 2015
Provides basic information on brain development and the effects of abuse and neglect on that development. The information is designed to help professionals understand the emotional, mental, and behavioral impact of early abuse and neglect in children who come to the attention of the child welfare system.

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