Trauma-Informed System Change in Child Welfare

Abstract

This chapter is focused on implementing trauma-informed child welfare system change. We provide information on the history and common challenges around implementing trauma-informed care within the complicated landscape of the public child welfare system. We present an overview of two projects, Center for Trauma-Informed Policies, Programs, and Practices (TIPs Center) and the Advancing California’s Trauma-Informed Systems (ACTS) Project. Both projects were designed to provide trauma-informed care knowledge and implementation support to public child welfare systems. Through the lens of these projects, strategies to address commonly cited challenges are highlighted. In addition, the chapter discusses areas for future focus around trauma-informed child welfare system change.