Abstract
Objectives: Enthusiasm for trauma-informed care (TIC) in the child-and youth-serving sectors (CYSSs) has been growing dramatically over the last decade. However, TIC implementation activity on the ground has far outpaced research and the landscape of TIC implementation scholarship is not well known. This scoping review aims to explore: 1) the nature of TIC implementation research in the CYSSs; 2) the characteristics of the change initiatives being studied; 3) the types of evidence these studies have generated; and 4) the gaps in the literature. Methods: On August 28, 2019, the EBSCO, Scopus, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases were searched for English-language, peer-reviewed articles that mentioned “trauma-informed” and (“child” or “children” or “adolescent” or “youth”) in the title, abstract or keywords. Articles selected for this review reported on TIC implementation processes in the CYSSs. Fifty-four articles published between 2004 and 2019 met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed in-depth for this scoping review. Results: High variability was found in the characteristics of TIC implementation research and practice. However, promising preliminary evidence is beginning to show that TIC implementation can lead to a reduction in violent practices and incidents and can improve service provider knowledge, attitude, behaviour and practice (KABP). However, research shows that improvements to self-reports of KABP are often modest, not always maintained over time and not easily translated into actual changes in behaviour, practice and organizational climate due to a variety of barriers. Conclusion: In order to address these barriers, the preliminary evidence suggests that TIC implementation requires a comprehensive approach that includes commitment from senior leadership, ongoing support, and collaboration within and between service providing organizations and systems.
Highlights
Violence against children and youth has many different forms
During stage 1, the following research question was identified: What is the nature of the traumainformed care (TIC) implementation research literature in the child- and youth-serving sectors (CYSSs)? In addition, parameters of what TIC implementation research in the CYSSs consists of were developed, with the expectation they would be refined as the selection process progressed
The variability in the quality, scope, scale and transparency of TIC implementation research and practice may reflect the rapid expansion of the TIC consultation and training industry and the need for more reflexivity and thoughtfulness as the TIC field grows
Summary
Violence against children and youth has many different forms. Whether it is in the form of abuse, neglect or exposure to structural violence, it can leave a lasting impact on children and youth’s health and well-being. The traumainformed care (TIC) movement has been mobilizing knowledge about the pervasive and potentially lifelong impacts these forms of adversity can have on children and youth since the early 2000s. In addition to promoting a greater understanding of children and youth who have faced adversity and may be experiencing complex trauma, the TIC movement has been advocating for service providers to better equip themselves to understand and respond to their needs. There is a growing recognition that conventional service systems often fail to respond appropriately to the needs of complex trauma-impacted children and youth and may cause further harm (Bloom & Farragher, 2010, 2013; Elliot et al, 2005; Harris & Fallot, 2001; Oudshoorn, 2015). In order to meaningfully implement the principles of TIC in the various sectors that serve children, youth and their families, there is a general consensus that a major shift in organizational culture, structure, and policy is required
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