Assessment of Complex Trauma Exposure, Responses, and Service Needs Among Children and Adolescents in Child Welfare

Abstract

Exposure to multiple, chronic interpersonal traumas, often referred to as complex trauma exposure, can impact several areas of mental health need and functioning. A comprehensive assessment of needs and strengths is essential to making appropriate service recommendations. This study assessed 4,272 youth within the Illinois child welfare system using the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS). A significant proportion of this sample had multiple/chronic caregiver-related trauma. Children with this complex trauma exposure exhibited more traumatic stress and mental health symptoms, risk behaviors, and day-to-day functioning difficulties, and fewer strengths compared to other children. Implications for these findings are discussed in terms of appropriate treatment/service planning and improved diagnostic classification to better capture the complex trauma needs among youth in child welfare.